Worldwide Satellite Magazine SatMagazineSatMagazine June 2021

Cover image is courtesy of Gilat Satellite Networks. Read Gilat’s Ubiquitous Connectivity With NexGen SATCOM feature on page 38.

Design & Development Interconnects Cable, Flex, & PCB Assemblies ® Model-to-Market Solutions Power Supplies Leverage our engineering expertise from sketch, formal Box Builds design, prototype, testing, qualification to mass production — Lab Testing & Qualification speeding time to market. Learn more at www.airborn.com Mass Production Publishing Operations InfoBeam Features Silvano Payne, Publisher + Executive Writer SpaceX...... 4 Forrester Reports: Satellite Operators — 2021...... 24 Simon Payne, Chief Technical Officer This year’s prospects remain rather grim Hartley G. Lesser, Editorial Director OneWeb...... 6 by Chris Forrester, Senior Columnist Pattie Lesser, Executive Editor Donald McGee, Production Manager NanoAvionics...... 7 Teresa Sanderson, Operations Director Sean Payne, Business Development Manager Executive Spotlight: Luis Gomes, CEO,...... 30 Dan Makinster, Technical Advisor Satellite Vu...... 8 AAC Clyde Space Dragonfly Aerospace...... 10 Achieving Ubiquitous Connectivity...... 38 SpaceLink...... 12 with Next Generation SATCOM by Doreet Oren, Gilat Satellite Networks Senior Columnists / Contributors Kleos Space...... 14 Chris Forrester, Broadgate Publications Karl Fuchs, iDirect Government Ursa Space...... 16 Bob Gough, Goonhilly Earth Station Preserving The Space Environment...... 46 Rebecca M. Cowen-Hirsch, Inmarsat by Dr. Walter Scott, Maxar Technologies Ken Peterman, Viasat Kymeta Corporation...... 18 Giles Peters, Track24 Defense Koen Willems, ST Engineering Lynk Global...... 19 Mike Young, Envistacom Executive Spotlight: Austin Link,...... 50 ICEYE...... 20 Co-Founder, Starfish Space

Viasat...... 22 Issue’s Authors Iridium Communications...... 23 Remote Network Maintenance...... 54 Andy Bowyer by Integrasys Chris Forrester Dawn Aerospace...... 42 Doreet Oren Carlos Placido Gilat Satellite Networks...... 44 Dr. Max Polyakov We’re Polluting Our Future Home…...... 56 Dr. Walter Scott Intersputnik Int’l Organization...... 44 Before We Even Live There of Space Communications by Dr. Max Polyakov, Noosphere Ventures

Executive Spotlight: Jeff Ransdell,...... 60 Co-Founder, Fuel Venture Capital

Shifting Sands of SATCOM Capacity Pricing...... 64 Advertisers by Carlos Placido, NSR Advantech Wireless...... 29 AirBorn Inc...... 1 AvL Technologies...... 11 Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS)...... 3 Focus On: Kleos Space...... 66 C-COM Satellite Systems, Inc...... 9 by Andy Bowyer, Kleos Space Comtech Command &Control / TCS...... 13 CPI SATCOM Products...... 5 DH Satellite (DH ANTENNA)...... 18 EM Solutions...... 45 Es’hailSat...... 21 MilSat Symposium...... 71 ND SATCOM Products GmbH...... 37 SpaceBridge...... 15 Space Foundation — 36th Space Symposium...... 43 Terrasat Communications, Inc...... 23

SatMagazine is published 11 times per year by SatNews Publishers, 800 Siesta Way, Sonoma, California - 94576 - USA Phone: (707) 939-9306 / Fax: (707) 939-9235 © 2021 SatNews Publishers

We reserve the right to edit all submitted materials to meet publication content guidelines, as well as for grammar and spelling errors, or to move articles to an alternative issue to accommodate publication space requirements, or remove content due to space restrictions or unacceptable content. Submission of articles does not constitute acceptance of said material by SatNews Publishers. Edited materials may, or may not, be returned to authors and/or companies for review, prior to publication. The views expressed in SatNews Publish- ers’ various publications do not necessarily reflect the views opinions of SatNews Publishers. All rights reserved. All included imagery is courtesy of, and copyright to, the respective companies and/or named individuals. SatNews reserves the right to alter publication dates and print issue designations, based on industry event date changes and circumstances that are beyond the control of SatNews Publishers or the company’s staff.

SatMagazine Page 2 June 2021 B:8.75" T:8.5" S:8" B:11.25" S:10.5" T:11"

702X SATELLITES REPROGRAM REALLOCATE REIMAGINE

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Job Number: 11587767 Client/Brand: Boeing/BDS Date: 5-25-2021 1:09 PM APPROVALS File Name: 11587767_BDS_702X_8x11.indd QC: Steve Jablonoski Bleed: 8.75" x 11.25" Gutter: None Publications: Sat Magazine PA: Steve Hutchings PR: Pat Owens Trim: 8.5" x 11" Folds: NoneNone Notes: L+T Bill to #: 11587799 RET: Ana Pappa PP: Sue Breitenecker Safety: 8" x 10.5" Media/Color Sp: PRINT/4 COLOR AB: None TM: None Scale: 1:1 Country: None Vendor: None GCD: John Potter Actual Size: 8.5"w x 11"h Language: ENGLISH Output%: None Colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black AD: Collin Siebener Fonts: Helvetica Neue (95 Black, 55 Roman; Type 1) CW: Yessy Downs AE: Clayton Ham/Heather Schwartz

ALL CONTENT WITHIN THIS FILE IS FOR OUTPUT ONLY BY END PRINTER/VENDOR. CHANGES, SHARING AND/OR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. LICENSING RIGHTS AND APPROVALS MUST BE REQUESTED AND APPROVED TO/BY FCB CHICAGO. Images: 11303786C01_R3_Satellite.tif (300 ppi; CMYK), Boeing_white_50mm.eps InfoBeam SpaceX’s Starlink Missions Are One half of Falcon 9’s fairing previously supported four Starlink Quite Uplifting — Triple Play missions and the other half previously supported a Starlink mission and the Transporter-1 mission.

Sixty Starlinks Successful Sendoff Then, on Saturday, May 15, another of the company’s follow-up Starlink missions occurred, with the smallsats nestled aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle that lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

SpaceX was successful with the launch on Wednesday, May 26, with the firm’s Falcon 9 launching 60 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. On board this mission were 52 Starlink satellites, a Capella Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, and Tyvak-0130, an optical spectrum astronomy observation satellite.

Falcon 9’s first stage booster previously supported the Sentinel-6A mission. Following stage separation, SpaceX successfully landed Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Capella Space SAR satellite.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster that supports this mission previously launched NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station, ANASIS-II, CRS-21, Transporter-1, and three Starlink missions.

SatMagazine Page 4 June 2021 InfoBeam

Following stage separation, SpaceX landed the Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship located in the SpaceX’s “Just Read the Atlantic Ocean. Instructions” droneship. One half of this mission’s Falcon 9’s fairing previously supported the SXM-7 mission, and the other half previously supported the NROL-108 mission. Download the CPI mobile app!

HPA RF calculator Quickly access HPA data sheets TWTA/SSPA product finder Spacelink on-orbit map, as of this writing. Convenient contact info For continual on-orbit updates of the Starlink constellation, please visit satellitemap.space.

And, lest we forget, SpaceX also launched 60 Starlink smallsats on May 9. After stage separation, the Falcon Search: CPI Satcom 9’s first stage returned to Earth and landed on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship.

This was the first Falcon 9 first stage booster to complete a tenth launch and landing. The first stage booster previously supported Crew Dragon’s first demonstration mission to the International Space Station, the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, SXM-7, and this seventh Starlink mission.

SatMagazine Page 5 June 2021 InfoBeam

OneWeb’s Constellation Smallsats Successfully Launched By Arianespace Via A Soyuz Rocket @ Vostochny Cosmodrome

developed a production line process for manufacturing the satellites that dramatically lowers costs and also significantly accelerates output.

With two production lines in their Florida factory, each line can build one satellite in a single eight-hour shift, allowing OneWeb Satellites to produce satellites at a On Friday, May 28, 2021, OneWeb launched 36 scale that will enable the company to rapidly build out satellites to bring the company one step closer to its full constellation. completing their commercial service by the end of the year. OneWeb Satellites employs more than 180 people in Florida and is on track to have a headcount of 200 at the Merritt Island facility on the Space Coast by the end of the year. OneWeb has now increased their satellite constellation to more than 200 spacecraft.

This latest launch adds 36 satellites to OneWeb’s constellation as the company works to complete their 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.

This launch placed the smallsats in their designated orbits and represents 80 percent of the constellation required to enable the firm’s connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June of 2021.

This was OneWeb’s seventh overall launch and the OneWeb plans to offer connectivity across the United fourth in a five-launch program to fulfill the company’s Kingdom, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, ‘Five to 50’ service,. the Arctic Seas and Canada.

Their service is expected to be switched on before the end of the year and OneWeb intends to make global service available in 2022.

The launch occurred from the Vostochny Cosmodrome and was be conducted by Arianespace. This was the 57th Soyuz mission conducted by Arianespace and their Starsem affiliate.

By operating this flight on behalf of OneWeb, Arianespace continues their record of fulfilling their customer’s ultimate ambition, that being to provide The satellites are manufactured by OneWeb Satellites, internet access for everyone, everywhere, all the time. a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus Defence and Space, based in Space Coast, Florida. The venture

SatMagazine Page 6 June 2021 InfoBeam

NanoAvionics Reveals Their Growth and Biz Development Plans

Smallsat testing @ Nanoavionics.

To enable and foster this growth, NanoAvionics intends to hire around 100 people by the end of 2022, about half NanoAvionics has laid out its ambitious growth and of those for the Columbia hub. business development plans for the USA via its existing facility in Columbia, Illinois. The company has already tested the first satellites at the facilities for its US customers missions. The smallsat bus manufacturer and mission integrator will develop the only satellite manufacturing facility in the F. Brent Abbott, the CEO of NanoAvionics US, in charge state to become its main hub in the US. Through this hub, of the Columbia hub, said, “The USA is the largest NanoAvionics will further grow the portfolio and expand NewSpace hub in the world and NanoAvionics US has into other locations across the USA. an ambitious goal to take 30 percent of the US market share in nano-/microsatellite manufacturing and The company is also mission provision services. using it to coordinate all business development “This is a direct response to the demand we are activities in the LATAM seeing, with our US revenues having already region, exemplified surpassed last year’s figures. We are already in on- by the existing “D-2/ going negotiations about satellite constellations with AtlaCom-1” rideshare four NewSpace companies in the USA.” mission with Mexican consortium partners The Columbia facility will be used to produce Space JLTZ and the numerous nano- and microsatellite buses, for both Municipality single and constellation missions. By using a mass of Atlacomulco production approach, similar to the principle of the among others. automotive industry, NanoAvionics is capable to manufacture hundreds of identical small satellites NanoAvionics within a relatively short time frame of 6-10 months — US revealed additional plans to open a full scale ideal for satellite constellations. manufacturing, assembly, integration and test (MAIT) facility for serial manufacturing of smallsats and establish Abbott added, “Columbia’s lower operating and living a mission operations center. cost will also keep NanoAvionics’ competitive advantage in a tough small satellite market driven by lowering cost, shorter lead times and greater payload volume.”

SatMagazine Page 7 June 2021 InfoBeam

Satellite Vu Engages in The infrared thermal measurements can Infrared Space Tech be used to identify which buildings are emitting the most heat and that might be candidates for energy efficiency measures.

“This ground breaking and timely technology will for the first time allow government and the public to make Anthony Baker better and informed decisions on which buildings are a priority to upgrade.” said Anthony Baker, CEO of Satellite Vu. “Satellite Vu is open to collaborating with end users to develop specific trials to demonstrate the power and capability of this new data in advance of a future satellite launch.”

Phil Brownnett, Managing Director of SSTL, said, “SSTL is innovating at the forefront of space technologies in the UK and we are very pleased to Phil Brownnet Satellite Vu is preparing to provide a disruptive be working with Satellite Vu on this service to those who tackle critical global issues. exciting new mission.” The data from Earth Observation (EO) has become a key part of the thermal imaging systems will have multiple uses environmental monitoring, and Satellite Vu is poised both commercially and for good causes, especially to transform this market through the construction environmental. We have all felt Urban Heat Islands and launch of unique and ground-breaking satellites (UHIs) when the city temperature is higher than the that will deliver infrared imaging with frequent re-visit rural areas.” times, both day and night. Phil continued, “The UHIs can be limited to a city block Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, announced £3 billion of or extend over larger districts, and high resolution energy efficiency measures toward a new green homes infrared satellite imaging has the capability to detect grant and for insulating public buildings. The measures the location of heat islands in every city on a national are aimed at helping the UK meet its 2050 target for net scale at better than postcode resolution. The presence zero carbon emissions. of heat islands exacerbates the heat stress suffered by the most venerable especially during lockdown when Satellite Vu has signed a Memorandum of confined to one location.“ Understanding (MoU) with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) to develop the infrared imaging space technologies for the constellation.

Infrared highlights heat loss from certain buildings. Image is courtesy of Satellite Vu.

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Dragonfly Aerospace Acquired Congress 2020 that it had struck a deal with EOSDA, a Noosphere Ventures portfolio company, to provide two of Dragonfly’s large imagers for the company’s satellites.

EOSDA has previously announced their plans to launch the world’s first agriculture-focused satellite constellation, which will also help address global problems such as climate change, land degradation and environmental threats.

“I am incredibly proud today to see the company that I co-founded become an important part of Dr. Polyakov’s space ecosystem,” said Bryan Dean. “When our team started developing our camera technology in 2016 and then first demonstrated it successfully on the Dr. Max Polyakov – the nSight-1 satellite in 2017, I knew that satellite imaging international technology products would prove critical in the rapidly developing entrepreneur, investor nanosatellite sphere. We have applied our extensive and economist who is experience in developing and flying large microsatellite revolutionizing the space imagers to create innovative products for this exciting industry – has completed market segment. Our strategy is to work in partnership his acquisition of a majority with satellite bus providers and in time deliver stake in Dragonfly Aerospace, microsatellite solutions as well.” a South African NewSpace company with more than 20 The Stellenbosch-based company emerged in January years of proven heritage in 2020 from Space Commercial Services (SCS) to lead high-performance imaging satellites and payloads. the next chapter of South Africa’s history of space engineering and satellite missions. Dragonfly began with This purchase cements Dragonfly Aerospace’s status a core team of 15 people and has since expanded to as a critical component of the vertically integrated space more than 100 personnel. ecosystem being built by Dr. Polyakov and Noosphere Ventures that includes Firefly, the competitively-priced Dragonfly Aerospace has grown to supply a global space launch provider, EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA), clientele that includes NanoAvionics, Loft Orbital and a satellite data and analytics company with its own radar Pixxel, among others with a special focus on Europe, and optical satellite constellations, and SETS, a space currently the largest market for imaging technology. electric thruster systems firm. Dragonfly Aerospace also plans to support the South “Satellites depend on many components in the space African National Space Agency (SANSA) and the SA industry value chain. Dragonfly Aerospace’s expertise space industry to achieve its future space endeavors. in creating imaging constellations is an important step in the development of our vertically integrated space Of additional interest is that Firefly Aerospace, where ecosystem,” commented Dr. Polyakov. “Dragonfly’s Dr. Polyakov is the major shareholder, successfully advanced technology provides high quality images in a completed their Series A financing. Almost $200 million wide range of spectrums and resolutions that are critical was raised, and the company’s total value far exceeded for monitoring the health of our planet and enabling the $1 billion it had reached in the pre-investment phase. intelligent agriculture that protects biodiversity. This The company has announced multiple commercial improves global food security and supports a healthy and civil Alpha launch customer contracts, including environment which ultimately benefits the lives of NASA and General Atomics. The firm is completing people on Earth.” preparations for the inaugural launch of their Alpha launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base Dragonfly Aerospace was founded in Stellenbosch, South (VSFB) Space Launch Complex 2 (SLC-2). Africa, by a team of five satellite engineers led by Bryan Dean, a global specialist in smallsats and high resolution cameras. Its compact, high performance imaging payloads have catapulted the company into the role of a trusted partner providing imaging technology. Dragonfly Aerospace announced at the International Astronautical

SatMagazine Page 10 June 2021 CONNECTING YOU TO THE FUTURE

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As Vice President and Chief Security Two Industry Experts Added to Officer, Phil Robinson is responsible SpaceLink’s Management Team for SpaceLink’s tactical and strategic security operations. A retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, his more than 30-year career encompasses protection of sensitive technologies and classified information, human and counterintelligence operations, and information systems. He has been recognized by the DoD for administering exceptional security, risk, and technology protection programs and he holds a graduate degree in Security Management from Webster University.

A senior member of several well-regarded professional security organizations, Mr. Robinson has served as an industry representative on the National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee. He is often an invited guest of the Director for OUSD(I) Security and Intelligence and Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency to advise SpaceLink, a company that is building an information on critical national security issues. superhighway for the space economy, welcomed two industry experts to the firm’s management team. The demand for fast, continuous, high-capacity connectivity for spacecraft on-orbit already outstrips Robert Conrad has joined the supply and with LEO spacecraft proliferating, it is only company as Vice President of destined to grow. SpaceLink will relieve the bandwidth NASA and Civil Space business bottleneck for organizations that need to transport data development, and Phil Robinson quickly and securely to users anywhere in LEO orbit or is Vice President and Chief Security on Earth. Officer. They join a group of business and technology professionals who The SpaceLink relay network is designed to pick up where have demonstrated confidence in the U.S. Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System the prospects for a relay service that provides secure, (TDRSS) leaves off and go beyond with unprecedented continuous, high-capacity communications between Low capacity that leverages today’s technology advances. Earth Orbit (LEO) spacecraft and the ground. It helps close the business case for Earth Observation (EO) companies, commercial space stations, satellite Robert Conrad has supported dozens of satellite servicers and tugs, and meets requirements for the missions with NASA, NOAA, the NSF and JPL. He has U.S. government and close allies that need to leverage deep domain knowledge of TDRSS and experience industry solutions to maximize capabilities. working with the NASA Space Communications Network and Satellite Ground Network. He spent 17 years at LJT “SpaceLink continues to attract the & Associates, a small business government contractor industry’s top professionals who are that provided a range of aerospace services, where he inspired by our business strategy and was President and CEO. the opportunity to contribute to our game changing data relay service,” Mr. Conrad earned a Master of Science degree said David Bettinger, Chief Executive in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins Officer at SpaceLink. “Robert Conrad University where he concentrated on RF and Satellite and Phil Robinson each bring skills and Communications and he has a Bachelor of Science experience that will be essential to degree in Electrical Engineering. SpaceLink’s success and I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome them to the team.”

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Kleos Space Engages ISISPACE To Kleos will pay the approximate 2.45 million euros contract Build The Company’s in milestone-based installments, with satellite delivery scheduled for Q4FY21. The contract includes an optional Third Satellite Cluster addendum for a further three satellite clusters (12 further satellites in total) that will facilitate constellation growth with volume purchasing advantages.

Funding methods for subsequent clusters will be determined by the directors and will be through a combination of revenue, equity or borrowings, depending on capital market conditions prevailing at the time.

Launching into a 500-600 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), Kleos’ third satellite cluster doubles the company’s coverage over both poles, complementing the Scouting Mission and Polar Vigilance Mission satellites, thereby enhancing global coverage. Data derived from Artistic rendition of Kleos’ Scouting Mission smallsats on0orbit. Image the Scouting Mission satellites is expected to commence is courtesy of the company. to early adopter customers shortly.

Kleos Space S.A (ASX: KSS, Frankfurt: KS1, Kleos Kleos’ Polar Vigilance satellites are on track for a mid- or Company), a space-powered Radio Frequency 2021 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, following Reconnaissance Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) company, the recent successful completion of key development has signed a contract with Innovative Solutions in milestones with ISISPACE. Kleos’ satellites collect data Space B.V. (ISISPACE) to build and support the firm’s that is used to detect and geolocate radio frequency third satellite cluster of four satellites, the Polar transmissions, enhancing the detection of illegal activity, Patrol Mission (KSF2), scheduled to launch at the including piracy, drug and people smuggling, border end of 2021 onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. security challenges and illegal fishing.

Specializing in smallsat solutions, the Netherlands-based Its global activity-based data is sold as-a-service to ISISPACE has more than 15 years of experience in the governments and commercial entities, complementing design, manufacture, and operation of smallsats and is existing commercial datasets to improve their intelligence, currently also preparing Kleos’ second satellite cluster, surveillance,and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. the Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1) for dispatch to the launch site week commencing May 31. Kleos Space CEO Andy Bowyer said, “ISISPACE has proven to be an ideal development partner for Kleos,with our second satellite cluster nearing completion ahead of a mid-year launch. Targeting a constellation of up to 20 satellite clusters, each new satellite cluster will increase sensing and intelligence gathering capabilities generating higher value data products for subscribers.”

Jeroen Rotteveel, CEO of ISISPACE, said, “We are proud to continue our Under the contract, ISISPACE will provide a turn-key partnership with Kleos, solution including design, development, production, using our extensive testing, launch integration services and early orbit nanosatellite experience phase support. The Polar Patrol Mission creates an to build and design their third satellite cluster within a opportunity for higher value subscriptions, increasing relatively short timeframe. Asa strategic partner, we revenues by adding more frequent cover over look forward to supporting them as they continue to commercial areas of interest and additional data build and launch their small satellite constellation.” products to the Kleos inventory.

SatMagazine Page 14 June 2021 CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THEIR MISSIONS

Cellular IIoT, ATM, SCADA, HTS Broadband SATCOM On Government & Managed Backhaul Oil & Gas Consumer & The Move Military Services Enterprise

For over 30 years, SpaceBridge has striven to performance GEO and NGSO Extreme Broadband eliminate the digital divide by being an innovator, Gateways, VSAT Terminals, Modems and Services leader and trusted provider of bold solutions that for mission critical applications. keep people connected to their missions, everywhere. As we venture even further, we invite you to join us as we aspire to make all things connected. Visit our We live on the cutting edge of what’s possible, website at spacebridge.com to learn how you can challenging ourselves, adapting to an ever-changing achieve greater connectivity. landscape while delivering ultra-reliable, high-

spacebridge.com | [email protected] | +1.514.420.0045 USA | CANADA | LATIN AMERICA | BRAZIL | EMEA | ASIA PACIFIC InfoBeam Introducing Ursa Space’s catalog of more than 8 million images and 14 years of Image Services history. Customers can also use this service to task new images from the firm’s Virtual Constellation, the world’s largest network of SAR satellites from vendor partners.

Ursa Space has partnered with a number of SAR providers, so when someone comes to us, they instantly have access to all of the imagery in each provider’s archives as well as access to task new images from each provider’s satellite network.

This image shows some of the existing imagery available from Ursa Space’s Virtual Constellation catalog. For this example, parameters included some of the major SAR providers covering Africa during a As the number of satellites launched into orbit selected time period. continues to increase, the volume of imagery is When someone wants an image for an upcoming date, growing exponentially, creating a trove of valuable they tell us the basics—where and when—and Ursa Space insights waiting to be gleaned from the data. There handles the rest. More advanced users can also choose are many SAR satellite providers responsible for this to provide detailed collection criteria and we’ll do all the growth, creating lots of terrific options — how does legwork to obtain the images that meet the customer’s one select the correct provider? requirements from our satellite provider partners. It would be easier If a significant amount of this imagery were housed under one roof, this selection task would be far easier… this is where Ursa Space enters the picture, with its recently launched Image Services offering.

How can you realize this potential opportunity by accessing the satellite imagery, particularly from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology?

Eric Cote, a Product Manager at Ursa Space, recently highlighted the company’s new, image services offerings.

Ursa Space’s Image Services provides a one-stop source for commercial SAR imagery, he said. With this service, A sample of SAR imagery from some of Ursa Space’s Virtual Constellation satellite partners. customers can search and order imagery Eric Cote from the company’s growing archive

SatMagazine Page 16 June 2021 InfoBeam

An additional step between order and delivery is The extent of damage can be quickly understood by processing. Without going into too much technical detail, pulling an archived image to establish a baseline against let’s just say that there are different formats for SAR which the post-event image is compared. This example imagery. If someone is trying to understand and interpret also makes clear why the benefits of SAR can be critical imagery across multiple vendors or formats, they will at times. Unlike optical imagery, SAR works in any run into problems without the proper training. People weather, day or night. That’s a critical distinction when can work with us instead. We have the in-house SAR trying to assess the situation on the ground right after a processing expertise to turn multiple data formats into major storm hits and clouds obstruct the view. one common vendor-independent format, which is then delivered to the customer, ready to be used. Ursa Space can also assist with image analytics. Using the same example, the company can identify and quantify Without the proper corrections, a structure or feature the damage inflicted by the storm, such as flood mapping might not appear in the same location within each image, or highlighting infrastructure changes. leading an individual to conclude that the feature has either changed significantly or disappeared, when in fact, it’s just a technical error because the different formats weren’t properly accounted for in the final product.

The image above shows the processing and analytics done by Ursa Space on a SAR image provided by ICEYE, Imagery from Airbus (2019). Processed by Ursa Space Systems collected off the coast of Mauritius in August of 2020, after a ship ran (2021). This is a SAR image of Paris by Airbus which was then aground, leaking oil into the ocean. processed into a “Point of View” perspective by Ursa Space. The area highlighted in red is the oil slick.

Timing is often a crucial factor when a client needs an Another use case is economic monitoring. We can image. Ursa Space will take care of the processing and perform analytics to measure economic activity, which deliver the image in one common format. There’s also is why the archive is so important. Having extensive the benefit of Ursa Space working with multiple SAR historical data is critical when trying to interpret current providers on your behalf, so you won’t get caught without information. That’s true whether it’s a financial firm a backup plan in case of unexpected maintenance or fine-tuning a trading algorithm, or a local municipality availability issues with a single vendor. We can provide assessing property valuations. a reliable delivery schedule by tasking a satellite from another provider that’s a part of our Virtual Constellation. Ursa Space has a streamlined process for searching our catalog, ordering, processing, analyzing, and delivering There are any number of motivations behind imagery SAR imagery across a Virtual Constellation from our acquisition. For example, if there’s a natural disaster, say satellite partners. This provides enhanced capabilities a hurricane in Florida, then an insurance company might and redundancy when compared to any one vendor want imagery to understand the impact of the storm on alone. Customers can therefore take advantage of the infrastructure. Where is there flooding? Or, where did ongoing satellite revolution. As fast as turnaround times buildings sustain the most damage from high winds? are today, they will only improve moving forward.

To learn more about Ursa Space’s Image Services, please access this direct link…

SatMagazine Page 17 June 2021 InfoBeam

$30 Million Investment To Kymeta experience, and the ongoing development of Kymeta’s next From Hanwha Systems generation capabilities. With the capital investment HSC will also receive a seat on the Kymeta Board of Directors.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the HSC plans to support Kymeta’s metamaterial-based United States (CFIUS) has approved a $30 million antenna technology and gain a foothold in the rapidly investment by Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd. (HSC), a growing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) antenna market. global solutions company that provides differentiated smart technologies in defense electronics and “We are thrilled that the investment is approved information infrastructure to Kymeta Corporation — and eager to leverage Kymeta’s expertise in hybrid the communications company making mobile global. satellite and cellular connectivity solutions,” said Youn Chul Kim, CEO of HSC. “Kymeta’s solutions will The approval provided by CFIUS clears the way for HSC further our aerospace capabilities and deliver reliable and Kymeta to close on the transaction that was jointly communications for our defense customers.” announced last December. The investment moves Kymeta one step closer toward developing solutions that are “We look forward to moving ahead and working with future proof and interoperable with both LEO and GEO HSC,” said Doug Hutcheson, Executive Chairman, mega constellations. Today, the Kymeta™ u8 is the only Kymeta. “We believe this investment will be commercially available flat panel antenna that is compatible instrumental in enabling the continued innovation, with LEO and GEO satellite constellations and enabled to advancement and commercialization of Kymeta’s take advantage of the growing capacity within space. connectivity solutions. We’re excited about the future of Kymeta and the LEO satellite market.” The investment from HSC will further Kymeta’s global market reach, accelerate production, and improve the overall growth trajectory of the company. The funding will support increased unit production, enhanced customer Gibralter Series Satellite Fixed Az-El or Motorized Dual Axis System ~ 194 mph wind load survival! ~ Spun aluminum antennas RX, C & Ku band, antenna sizes .9m to 5m ~ Hot dip galvanization of mount & custom color antenna paint (optional) ~ Special drilling and mount options for existing foundations ~ Resolver kits (optional) ~ Shipping worldwide

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SatMagazine Page 18 June 2021 InfoBeam

FCC Filing Completed By Lynk— Using a low-risk development approach, Lynk Global Mobile Connectivity will integrate some of the most advanced space sustainability methods today to prevent and mitigate Service Via “Cell Towers In Space” orbital debris and is actively advocating within industry To Be Initiated In 2022 and government to develop stronger orbital debris mitigation approaches for tomorrow.

In February 2020, with the help of NASA and mobile network operators (MNO), Lynk sent the world’s first text message from a satellite in orbit to a standard mobile phone on the ground.

Lynk Global Inc. has filed for a commercial operator’s license with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Commercial service is expected to begin around the world starting next year upon FCC approval. Lynk has also signed contracts with the U.S. Air Force and the U.K. Space Agency to support development of the Lynk system.T o date, Lynk has signed dozens of testing agreements with MNOs.

Charles Miller, CEO of Lynk, said, “Lynk is introducing a brand-new, never-been-done-before service—satellite- direct-to-standard-phones. As an American company, we are fortunate to have the FCC, whose process is trusted by officials around the world, to license our satellites. We believe that being good corporate citizens means at every point in the process you must be rigorous—whether it is eliminating harmful interference or minimizing orbital debris. Because using cellular frequencies from space has never The startup’s patented technology will eventually allow been done before, we believe that being licensed by anyone with an existing cell phone to stay connected, the FCC will help regulators worldwide embrace this anywhere in the world, at all times. Most importantly, groundbreaking technology.” Lynk’s system requires no changes to the phone. The existing phone in your pocket will work.

Lynk’s initial commercial license application intentionally uses the FCC’s new streamlined process for up to 10 smallsats to accelerate the license. Previous applications suggest this streamlined process will take 10-12 months, allowing Lynk to start their global service next year. This is the first step in Lynk’s plans for a larger constellation that will grow to several thousand satellites to begin continuous global service in 2025. Ultimately, Lynk’s full constellation will reach 5,000 satellites to provide broadband speeds to your phone.

SatMagazine Page 19 June 2021 InfoBeam

ICEYE Intros New ICEYE’s new Scan imaging is particularly effective for SAR Satellites acquiring wide coverage imagery for maritime use cases, where national security authorities and maritime safety officials require persistent visibility into large sea areas.

The alternative methods of monitoring these areas, such as airplanes and sending out patrol vessels to sea, are costly and not always feasible due to inclement weather or night time. Radar satellite imaging works both day and night, and even through cloud cover. ICEYE provides a current system design that supports comprehensive, wide area imaging.

ICEYE recently announced the commercial These images show the difference between Strip (medium area), and availability of wide area imaging capabilities covering Spot (detail area) imaging in terms of their coverage. Each mode has its distinct benefits, and ICEYE’s unique system versatility allows all data 10,000 km² data acquisitions with the company’s SAR users to acquire each type for varying information needs. (synthetic-aperture radar) satellite constellation. “We’ve done trials to Scan image areas as large According to the firm, ICEYE is the only New Space as 100 km x 400 km (60 x 250 miles) with a single SAR satellite provider to achieve wide-area Scan mode acquisition, covering areas at once that would take imaging, with up to a 100-times larger area coverage more than 1500 Spot images as a comparison,” from the closest alternatives in the marketplace. said Pekka Laurila, CSO and Co-founder, ICEYE. Thanks to the system design of ICEYE’s SAR satellites, “ICEYE continues to lead the way with several world ICEYE is now able to provide the world’s single, most first technology innovations for the benefit of our comprehensive, persistent monitoring capabilities both for customers, as we have continually done since we land and sea data use cases. launched the world’s first New Space SAR satellite over three years ago.” “It’s really exciting to see another world first from ICEYE. Our leading-edge persistent monitoring ICEYE was the world’s first company to launch a SAR capabilities, now boosted with Scan mode, enable satellite under 100 kg in 2018, the first New Space our commercial and government customers to quickly provider to achieve under 1-meter SAR resolution and effortlessly survey huge areas for purposes such imaging in 2019, the first to demonstrate interferometric as sea ice monitoring, ensuring maritime safety and capabilities in 2020, and even the first to produce SAR national security use cases,” said Steve Young, Vice videos from individual satellite passes also in 2020. President, Business Development and Sales, ICEYE. “Our unique satellite constellation and technology In total, ICEYE has raised $15 million in financing, approach makes ICEYE’s capability something launched 10 SAR missions and has plans to launch as alternative approaches simply aren’t able to match.” many as 10 more spacecraft during 2021. “ICEYE’s ability to now generate wide coverage imaging brings an addition to the radar based service market, in particular for maritime users,” said Marte Indregard, Chief Commercial Officer at KSAT, an ICEYE data customer and partner. “As the largest buyer of SAR data for maritime applications we know there is a strong demand for Scan mode images providing effective large area coverage, and we are eager to start delivering this to our customers world-wide.”

SatMagazine Page 20 June 2021

InfoBeam

Viasat’s IFC System Heading Into Additionally, a single Viasat high-capacity Ka-band 230 Additional Delta Domestic satellite antenna will power IFC while simultaneously providing live TV access to the seatback screens. Mainline Aircraft “By equipping more than 230 additional aircraft with Viasat IFC, Delta is validating how the system can scale,” said Don Buchman, Viasat vice president and general manager, Commercial Aviation. “We have a proven in-flight connectivity solution that will meet the demands of Delta customers today and the expected increase in demand in the future.”

Select Delta aircraft will be outfitted with Viasat’s latest Ka-band IFC system and will be compatible with Viasat’s complete network of satellites, including Viasat’s first- generation spacecraft and partner satellites, its second- generation spacecraft ViaSat-2, and the forthcoming ViaSat-3 constellation, which is expected to offer global coverage with nearly eight times more capacity than Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) has announced Viasat’s current fleet. Delta Air Lines has selected the company’s in- flight connectivity (IFC) solution for an additional According to the company, their IFC solution is an ideal 230+ domestic mainline, narrow-body aircraft, offering to meet both current and future demand, as Delta expanding the future scale of Delta’s next- expects increases for enhanced passenger connectivity generation onboard experience. and streaming services.

Delta Airbus 220

Under this expansion, select aircraft from Delta Air Delta remains focused on delivering innovation in the air Lines’ Airbus 321neo, Airbus 220-300, Boeing 737- and on the ground, having been recognized as one of 800, Airbus 320ceo and Airbus 319 fleets will be Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies worldwide retrofitted with Viasat’s next-generation Ka-band satellite this year, and the airline continues to invest in offering technology. This new aircraft award is in addition to a superior customer experience throughout the travel the more than 300 Delta aircraft already announced in journey. For more on Delta’s commitment to building the January 2021. next-generation onboard experience through fast, reliable Viasat Wi-Fi, visit articles and videos on Delta News Hub. With Viasat’s innovative satellite technology — featuring enhanced capacity, quality and speed — Delta customers can stream video or music, browse websites, connect to email, use apps and more—all on their own personal electronic devices.

SatMagazine Page 22 June 2021 InfoBeam

Iridium Invests In DDK Positioning mining, surveying and IoT use cases. Historically, there have been limited geostationary satellite provider options Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) has for this type of service, but they suffer from line-of-sight made a strategic investment in DDK Positioning blockage issues and coverage limitations in and around (DDK), an Aberdeen, Scotland based provider of Arctic and Antarctic regions. enhanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) accuracy solutions. According to a report published by the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency, augmentation DDK uses the Iridium® network to provide global services like those offered by DDK will account for $76.5 precision positioning services that can augment GNSS billion (65 billion euros) in global GNSS market revenue constellations, including GPS and Galileo, to significantly by 2029, while the global GNSS downstream market, enhance their accuracy for critical industrial applications. including services delivered and hardware devices, is DDK is also developing similar services for other GNSS estimated to reach $382 billion (325 billion euros). constellations, such as GLONASS and Beidou. Terms of the investment are not being disclosed. “We are impressed with the team that DDK has put together and see great potential for this technology Standard positioning accuracy through a system like and how it takes advantage of the Iridium network,” GPS is typically within 10 meters; however, by using said Iridium CEO, Matt Desch. “DDK’s enhanced the Iridium network, DDK’s enhanced GPS accuracy positioning is a unique capability that adds a high- service brings incredibly precise positioning of five value solution on top of our existing portfolio of custom centimeters or less. This advanced level of accuracy network services. Solutions from Iridium and DDK is ideal for autonomous vehicles like UAVs, precision partners that are focused on precision agriculture, agriculture applications, offshore infrastructure projects autonomous systems, maritime and infrastructure such as windfarm construction, automotive applications projects can now experience incredibly precise GNSS like driverless cars, as well as a host of construction, accuracy from anywhere on the planet.”

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SatMagazine Page 23 June 2021 Forrester Report: Satellite Operators — 2021 This year’s prospects remain rather grim...

Author: Chris Forrester, Senior Columnist, SatNews Publishers

Telesat delivered their quarterly results on May IPO and how cash will be raised to fund the project. Telesat 14, wrapping up the last of the ‘big four’ satellite will receive $344 million from ‘south of the border’ and operators’ financial reports. The firm’s financials were the FCC incentive payments for the company’s C-band typical of the sector in general, although Telesat auction last year. However, President/CEO Dan Goldberg managed to deliver a profit despite a 9 percent fall told analysts that he was hoping Telesat could auction off in revenues (y-o-y) as its cruise and airline clients their Canadian C-band frequencies themselves, instead of themselves suffered losses brought upon by the Industry Canada. global pandemic. Telesat’s fall in revenues were replicated across some of Telesat reported revenues of $190 million for the three- its three rivals: Intelsat, SES and Eutelsat. All suffered month period ending March 31, down from $208.7 reductions — sometimes severe — in their key verticals. million a year earlier, with the end result being a net profit of $42 million.

However, much of the post-results analyst call focused on progress being made with Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO project, and a strong statement as to the much planned

Author Chris Forrester is a well-known broadcasting journalist, industry consultant and Senior Columnist for SatNews Publishers. He reports on all aspects of broadcasting with special emphasis on content, the business of television and emerging applications. He founded Rapid TV News and has edited Interspace and its successor Inside Satellite TV since 1996. He also files for Advanced-Television.com. In November of 1998, Chris was appointed an Associate (professor) of the prestigious Adham Center for Television Journalism, part of the American University in Cairo (AUC), in recognition of his extensive coverage of the Arab media market.

SatMagazine Page 24 June 2021 Artistic rendition of Intelsat’s satellite fleet.

Intelsat 9 percent — Intelsat’s Media-related revenues continue Interestingly, Intelsat’s overall revenue numbers were to be under pressure. up, with the company stating their total revenues for the quarter were $502.7 million ($458.8 million in 2020), up Intelsat’s Government business (19 percent of revenues) by 9.6 percent y-o-y. grew by 2 percent to $97.9 million (up from $95.7 million). Intelsat’s contracted backlog stood at $5.9 billion as of While the company is still working their way through March 31 ($6.1 billion at December 31, 2020). Chapter 11 bankruptcy reconstruction, Intelsat’s net loss position also improved to $174.9 million (from $218.7 But a year ago (Q1/2020), the backlog stood at $6.6 million in 2020). billion. The March 31 ‘fill rate’ was 73 percent “similar to our average fill rate at Dec 31st.” However, a year ago, Intelsat’s Network services division (and 43 percent of the fill rate was a far more impressive 78.5 percent. total revenues) was $214 million ($149.4 million in 2020) and that number was helped by the inclusion of their Intelsat said that their legal dispute with SES, where SES now-integrated Gogo Commercial Aviation subsidiary. is claiming an overall $1.8 billion in monetary and punitive Overall, this was an improvement of 43 percent y-o-y. damages, will come to a head starting on June 28 at Gogo CA was worth $56.2 million, even during this bankruptcy court. miserable operating period.

Intelsat’s Media segment (and 37 percent of overall SES revenues) fell back 10 percent, or $20.8 million to $184.9 SES used its Q3 results to announce a 100 million euros million, down from $205.8 million. share buy back for cancellation, but also stressed to analysts that the company had made a strong start to The company reported,“The decline in media was primarily their 2021 financial year. The firm’s currently, all-important driven by a planned service migration by a specific Video division is moving steadily forward, albeit from customer from Intelsat’s network to the customer’s own terrible losses to not-quite-so-bad losses. SES has seen network assets.” their Video revenues improve from a -8 percent overall Worth noting is that a year ago (Q1/2020) Intelsat’s y-o-y fall to a -4.6 percent y-o-y for Q1. Overall, Q1 Media business represented 45 percent of the revenues declined by 2.8 percent y-o-y. company’s revenues and had fallen during the year by

SatMagazine Page 25 June 2021 Artistic rendition of the SES O3b mPOWER constellation.

The company’s increasingly important Networks division’s • $180 million of backlog signed in 2021 for SES-17 underlying revenue of 173 million was flat when compared and O3b mPOWER, with gross backlog at $740 with Q1 2020 (+0.1 percent at constant FX), with strong million; timed to come to market as the world ongoing growth in Government (+8.5 percent) offsetting emerges from the COVID invasion with highly COVID-related impacts on Mobility (-9.1 percent), while differentiated products and solutions to capture Fixed Data (-1.0 percent) was in line with the prior period. substantial, connectivity growth opportunities

“In summary, our start to the year puts us firmly on track • US C-band clearing on track to meet end-2021 to deliver on our 2021 financial outlook which remains milestone (triggering a $1 billion FCC payment) unchanged,” said CEO Steve Collar. “I am excited by and end-2023 milestone (triggering a further $3 the progress that we are making in securing customer billion payment). commitments for SES-17 and O3b mPOWER ahead of launch in the second half of 2021, and the level of market Importantly, Collar’s presentation delivered some strong interest that we are seeing across all Networks verticals. hints as to how the $3 billion in FCC incentive payment These important growth investments allow us to offer might be spent by the firm. The quarter’s results, and an a significantly expanded set of low latency products apparent commitment that SES would use part of their $3 and solutions to the market as the world emerges from billion, second-tranche payment from the FCC’s incentive the COVID environment and demand for connectivity C-band compensation for “shareholder benefits,” also increases exponentially. We are also on course with the helped bring confidence into an overview. clearing of C-band in the US and are continuing to pursue opportunities to create additional shareholder value from Collar also spoke about future C-band compensations further monetization initiatives.” from Canada (“in the shorter term”) and Brazil (“not a Highlights of the Q1 results statement include: huge monetization value”), as well as further opportunities for cash to flow from the US over C-band frequencies. He • More than 85 percent of 2021 revenue stressed that the company’s own work in clearing spectrum outlook (1,760 to 1,820 million euros) already and fitting filters for its US clients as part of the C-band under contract process was ahead of schedule.

SatMagazine Page 26 June 2021 He told analysts this year would see Video revenues Not helping matters is further slippage in Eutelsat’s launch stabilizing (“the [downward] curve is flattening” he said, and of their Quantum super-satellite which, for the second that this year’s overall -6 percent fall would be comfortably time, has had the launch date delayed, now alleged to be within guidance and intimated that figure would be beaten. happening this autumn. He said the rate of Video contracted renewals was good, with 90 percent now contracted. Sky had now renewed However, Eutelsat did redeem itself by telling analysts to 2027 and there was “excellent momentum. Recovery that the firm was upping their guidance for this full trading will not be miraculous this year, but will return in 2022.” year to revenues of 1.2 to 1.22 billion euros (up 10 million Acceleration would occur in 2022, helped by revenues euros from the lower end of its guidance). from SES-17’s launch and the introduction to the SES fleet of the first O3b mPower satellites. Thereafter, he said, “Management are clear, however, that absolute revenue 2023 would experience growth. in 4Q21 should be similar to Q3, which would put the Full Year revenue on c.€750m, and about 1 percent Eutelsat ahead of consensus,” said Giles Thorne, equity analyst at investment bank Jefferies.

Analyst Kassab added that the decline in core Broadcast/Video revenues was a worry and stands in contrast with those of SES, where Video trends have improved. Kassab points out that revenue declines (“price concessions”) in Greece and lower capacity demand were the main drivers of the revenue falls.

Giles Thorne said there was little else of note to emerge from Eutelsat. “There was nothing to advance the debate on the Nilesat [Egyptian contract] renewal; Eutelsat continues to work optimistically on further wholesale capacity agreements with European telcos for Konnect and Konnect VHTS; despite the Artistic rendition of the Eutelsat Quantum “super-satellite.” promising contract win with Global Eagle Entertainment, the near-term outlook on Eutelsat’s Q3 results showed negative growth in almost Mobility is still uncertain; while the closure of Orby TV in all of the company’s key divisions; however, the company the US will have a negligible effect on revenue.” told analysts that prospects were looking up and, that by year-end (June 30), revenue numbers will have improved. There were other Eutelsat operational and financial As Eutelsat’s next financial year starts (July 1) and their highlights. For example, the company’s contracted backlog $550 million stake in OneWeb wraps, then “compelling” was up 6 percent to 4.5 billion euros from 4.2 billion a benefits will accrue for 2022 and into the future. year ago (and helped significantly by the renewal of Sky Italia’s pay-TV contracts). The number of operational However, even the OneWeb investment created comment, transponders as of March 31, 2021, stood at 1,366, down with Sami Kassab (satellite analyst at Exane/BNPP) saying by 11 units y-o-y and 14 q-o-q, reflecting principally the the results were a “mixed bag”, adding,“The acquisition of a end of life in stable orbit of the Eutelsat 48D satellite. c24 percent stake in OneWeb is a positive development but lack of full control and perceived technological weakness of At March 31, 2021, the total number of channels broadcast this new entrant has us remain on the cautious side.” by Eutelsat satellites stood at 6,864 stable y-o-y and up 4 percent q-o-q. The number of HD channels stood at Eutelsat’s losses, in hard cash, were miserable. For example, 1,853 versus 1,667 a year earlier, up by 11 percent and the company’s worsening Broadcast/Video segment represented 27.0 percent of channels when compared (62 percent of revenues) fell by 8.5 percent, while Data with 24.3 percent a year earlier. & Professional Video (13 percent of revenues) fell 11.8 percent. Government services (13 percent of revenues) Thorne, (in his “The Empire Buys Back” report), said were down 8.2 percent and Mobile Connectivity crashed the SES Q1 numbers were “collectively constituting a 24.5 percent. The only bright spot for the company was clarion call from this old-guard satellite incumbent to Fixed Broadband (7 percent of revenues), which grew 9 value investors that the market has got it wrong.” He percent. Add this up and the translation into revenues is added, “Inevitably, the Eutelsat $550 million investment 301.3 million euros (322 million euros, same period last in OneWeb was a backdrop for new lines of inquiry into year) and a fall of 6.4 percent, overall. industry consolidation (response: the sector still needs

SatMagazine Page 27 June 2021 consolidation, being in different orbits doesn’t preclude Another major move is Eutelsat’s lease of their 7A/139WA consolidation, some consolidation synergies can perhaps craft to Global Eagle Entertainment. The satellite is be achieved via technology, SES will be watchful and stationary and offers Ku-band capacity (although nobody opportunistic) and competition (response: LEO is still is saying exactly how much, or the value of the contract) hard to commercialize, MEO sweet-spot of service and and the craft is in inclined orbit. Global Eagle (GEE) want bandwidth economics, the service-wrapper allows for the capacity to serve their airline customers and the deal value-based pricing, SES’s first-mover status in Cloud covers “multi-year, multi-transponder” usage. looks well protected).” The satellite has been moved to its new location and In Addition... has been renamed Eutelsat 139WA. The 139 degrees longitude places the satellite above the eastern-Pacific, although it is well placed to serve Alaska and North (and South) America, depending on the craft’s working footprints.

Eutelsat has also added extra muscle to their agreement with Facebook for capacity to sub-Saharan Africa. Facebook will use Eutelsat’s Konnect satellite and service to expand satellite broadband in rural and underserved communities.

With Express Wi-Fi, Eutelsat aims to connect thousands of people in the rural and underserved communities that span the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, Cameroon, Artistic rendition of Viasat’s KA-SAT satellite. Ghana and Zimbabwe, stated Eutelsat.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of other news for the market The Facebook news, said Kassab, adds another distribution to digest. For example, Viasat has closed their purchase channel for Eutelsat Konnect with a well-recognized of Eutelsat’s 51 percent share of theirs Euro Broadband partner (Facebook). “Over the last three years, Echostar Infrastructure (EBI) business which includes Eutelsat’s KA- has developed over 5,000 Express Wi-Fi hotspots in Latin Sat ‘broadband’ satellite. America. We believe these hotspots generate attractive ARPUs for satellite operators,” he said. A wholesale broadband services business, EBI was created as part of Viasat’s previous partnership arrangement with In summary, 2020 was a not so great year for satellite Eutelsat. Providing fixed and mobile broadband services operators. Any progress made this year in any of the on a wholesale basis in the European and Mediterranean operator’s key verticals is praiseworthy. markets, EBI was 51 percent owned by Eutelsat, with Viasat holding 49 percent. The 51 percent controlling interest For the industry in general 2021 — at best — remains flat, in EBI has now been acquired for 140 million, subject to although a recovery in cruise and airline traffic as well as customary net working capital and net debt adjustments. increased connectivity demands, will help confidence to The purchase price will be funded with available cash, return to the industry — 2022 should definitely be better. resulting in a cash outlay of 50 million euros, net of approximately 90 million of EBI’s cash on hand. Network activity should return, Intelsat will be out of bankruptcy (hopefully) and all will know the result of the “[The] transaction accelerates Viasat’s European SES litigation. SES’s mPower will be in business, and broadband objectives by strengthening our services Eutelsat might be looking at the start of commercial footprint and facilitating further market penetration,” activity via their OneWeb investment. said Keven Lippert, CCO/Viasat. “By gaining full control of KA-SAT, Viasat can further expand its growing mobility In other words, roll on 2022! business as well as establish operations and market presence ahead of our ViaSat-3 service launch, including Opening image is courtesy of Daniel Svoboda from Unsplash. the introduction of new capabilities enabling high-speed, high-bandwidth ‘ViaSat-3-like’ home internet service plans in select European markets.”

SatMagazine Page 28 June 2021

Executive Spotlight Luis Gomes Chief Executive Officer, AAC Clyde Space

Luis Gomes started working on smallsats in the mid-1990s while studying for his degree in Lisbon and joined Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in 1997 as a Mission Analyst, later taking on the project management of several EO missions. He ran the Earth Observation (EO) division of SSTL for several years, leading developments in optics, SAR and video from space, before taking the role of Commercial Director and later CTO of the company. Luis joined AAC Clyde Space as CEO in 2019 to pursue the next revolution in the space industry. Since Joining the company Luis has focused his efforts in growing the company and extending the Space Data as a Service business line, with a view to make services and data from space more accessible to all.

SatMagazine Page 30 June 2021 Good day, Mr. Gomes. Would you please tell What brought you to AAC Clyde Space? our readers about your background and how your training and experience placed you in good Luis Gomes stead to administer this company thought these I wanted to move to a smaller, more agile company, where exciting times. I could have more influence and lead the direction. InAAC Clyde Space, I found a company with a strong vision to Luis Gomes grow and change the world for the better. It was very clear My background is quite a typical one for many in our from the first conversation I had with our Chairman that industry. I started working in small satellites when I was an we shared a vision on how to make space a key part of undergraduate, and after my degree, I went on to work solving everyday problems, helping all to live better lives. first in a government research facility and soon after I This ambition was key for me — space can do so much joined Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). I did a more for all of us, and AAC Clyde Space is a company that variety of different engineering jobs, from mission analysis wants to do exactly that. Our aim is to be one of the leading to system engineering, including a stint as a ‘satellite small satellite players in the market and to also be one of builder’ doing the AIT of a SSTL mission — an excellent the most respected, global companies in this vital industry. opportunity for a physicist to learn what a ‘torque wrench’ and how it is used. As we are now discussing AAC Clyde Space, It was great fun: problem solving in a high pressure please tell us about the company. environment teaches you to think fast and to work hard. Plus, it builds one’s experience quickly — during my first Luis Gomes six years at SSTL, I worked on eight different satellites that At AAC Clyde Space, we are changing the economics of were all launched in that period of time. And working in a space data. We specialize in smallsat technologies and smaller company, such as SSTL was in those days, meant services that enable a growing number of businesses to that everyone was deeply involved in the projects, close access high-quality, timely data from space. This data has to customers and to company management. a vast range of applications, from weather forecasting to The change from engineering to management came precision farming to environmental monitoring, and is naturally and I started running projects for high resolution essential to improving our quality of life on Earth. Earth Observation (EO) missions that were cutting edge The global smallsat market is projected to grow at a at the time. The experience gained in running these compound annual growth rate of 20.5 percent from 2020 missions took me to lead the EO and Science business to 20251 — outpacing most others, including IT and of SSTL from 2011 until 2016. In that period, the division finance. This is an exciting time in the industry, with fast sold more than £200 million worth of platforms, satellites innovation cycles and a rapidly expanding range of space and services. The division ran the first Space Data as a applications. As a result, we’re seeing an unprecedented Service (SDaaS) deal for high resolution optical satellites, number of companies eager to tap into the market. AAC built the UK’s first SAR satellite and SSTL launched the is backed by 15 years of operational experience. first, high resolution, full color video mission from space. With in-house expertise that spans from subsystems There was a theme in many of these projects: making through to advanced sensors and data delivery, our data from space more accessible and useful. Lowering the combined workforce brings its expertise to bear across cost of the hardware, being creative in the deals, anything three core areas: that could remove barriers and obstacles to people and SDaaS provides timely, high-quality data from space companies to get the data they wanted when they need delivered directly to clients. We take care of the space it, that was the goal. part — from design through to build, launch, operation My last couple years at SSTL were spent as Chief and data delivery — which means clients are able to focus Commercial Officer and later as Chief Technical Officer, on their core business without needing to own or manage responsible for setting strategy for the company and space assets themselves. pursuing the goal of making space more accessible to all. 1 Reportlinker market research, August 2020

SatMagazine Page 31 June 2021 Our firm’s expertise also extends to space missions. We operate in the 1 to 50 kg satellite market, manufacturing fully assembled satellite platforms for direct sale, or as a comprehensive mission package that include: mission design, manufacturing and integration of components, launch and ground services. Our space products and components emphasize that good technology is the bedrock of our business. We manufacture standardized, miniaturized, advanced subsystems and components for cube and smallsats (up to 500 kg) for use in our own platforms and missions and for direct sale. During the last year, we have added three companies to the Group in line with our growth strategy: Hyperion, SpaceQuest and Omnisys. Our main operations are located in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the USA — we also have partner networks in Japan and South Korea.

What is your ambition for the Group and what progress have you made in 2020?

Luis Gomes Our goal is to become a world leader in commercial smallsats and services from space and we made real progress on these goals during 2020 in three key areas: our technical capabilities, our service offerings to clients The Hyperion PM200 delivers high thrust propulsion capability to 3-12 cubesats and similar platforms/ and improving our ability to deliver missions and data at scale. Against the backdrop of the global pandemic, we have completed three strategic acquisitions, two capital raises and have built a large and promising sales pipeline to drive growth in 2021 and beyond. These results are a testament to the tenacity and fortitude of our highly skilled teams and partners. The acquisition of Hyperion Technologies extends our product offering and access to key technologies, including propulsion and laser communications, adding substantial capability to our missions and helping us to overcome two major challenges faced by the industry: congestion and radio frequency bandwidth limits. The SpaceQuest acquisition gives us a strong foothold in the US, the world’s largest and most dynamic space market, providing a US manufacturing presence and immediate, strong, client relationships for our SDaaS 25 Years of flight mission heritage. business, which is the central pillar of our growth strategy. Through the Omnisys acquisition, we gained 28 years of experience in developing profitable, high-performance electronics hardware that includes world-class sensors. This is key to developing our SDaaS offering as it enables us to build constellations that can provide higher quality, more timely data to an increasingly data-hungry market. In particular, we gain a leading position in space- based weather data, a field set to grow strongly as new technology enables huge improvements in forecasting.

What do you believe are the reasons why the “New Space” market segments have been increasing in interest and the constant influx of Omnisys has delivered space flight hardware for a number of Swedish fresh developments of late? satellite projects, such as ODIN,

SatMagazine Page 32 June 2021 Luis Gomes Emerging data needs can also be satisfied at a totally new From precision farming to climate change to driverless pace. Thanks to their short lead-times, smallsats can be cars, people need more data, better data and more timely launched on demand, for example, to collect information data to address pressing global challenges and improve in response to a catastrophe or to monitor a conflict zone. our quality of life on Earth. Terrestrial solutions alone We expect to see exponential growth in smallsat cannot meet this need: but satellites can fill the gap. launches over the next decade, driven by the deployment Starting this decade, they will transform entire industries of mega-constellations (networks of a hundred satellites to support people on Earth in almost every aspect of day- or more) dedicated to ‘internet-in-the-sky’ proposals, to-day life. such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper and SpaceX’s Starlink Morgan Stanley2 estimates that the revenue generated — but also smaller constellations dedicated to delivering by the global space industry may increase to more than better, more timely data to a growing range of businesses $1 trillion by 2040 — that’s almost equal to Mexico’s GDP. across a range of applications, from asset tracking to earth Why is this happening now? The cost of satellites and observation. long lead-times have restricted access to space mainly to governments and a handful of large multinational Mr. Gomes, what are the key market sectors that companies. Traditional models can cost in the hundreds will be the focus for AAC Clyde Space? of millions of dollars, take three or four years to build and can be as big as a school bus. Luis Gomes Now, advances in smallsat technology and new smart Weather is a strong area of focus for us. The world needs payloads and sensors are making a much wider range of more accurate weather forecasting. Extreme weather commercial applications possible — and economically events — from excessive rainfall to coastal flooding and viable. Smallsats are bringing Moore’s Law to space: wildfires — were responsible for much devastation across in the same way that smartphones put significant our planet in 2020. computing power in the palm of your hand, smallsats All too often, the response is reactionary because are revolutionizing life on Earth by enabling a range of businesses and governments lack the information needed applications from orbit, often at a fraction of the cost and to prepare. The result is unnecessary lives lost, business time of legacy satellite systems. disruption and major insurance costs. The United Nations For example, our smallest satellite, a 1U cubesat, is small estimates the direct economic losses from weather enough to hold in the palm of your hand and weighs just disasters between 1998 and 2017 at almost $3 trillion. over 1 kg. Space-based weather data is set to rapidly increase as new technologies dramatically improve forecasts. In addition to How does AAC Clyde Space define a cubesat? our work with Orbital Micro Systems to deliver satellites for their Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS), Luis Gomes we gain a leading position in this field through the Omnisys A cubesat is a miniaturized satellite comprised of standard acquisition. Omnisys has a proven track record developing units (U). Each unit is 10 x 10 x 10 cm. These units can sensors for weather data in order to create reliable weather be stacked, like building blocks, to build cubesats of forecasting and data for climate research. different sizes. For example, Omnisys has recently developed a new Cubesats are enabling a growing range of businesses type of microwave-based sensor that provides weather to access space services and increasingly replacing larger satellites in scientific and commercial missions. They are standardized, which means they can be mass-produced using off-the-shelf components and launched more easily than their customized counterparts, all helping to lower costs. At the same time, competition among launch providers is driving down the cost of delivering spacecraft to orbit. By changing the economics of space, cubesats and other smallsats are enabling operators to engage large constellations. This is where many smallsats work together as a system to accomplish a mission. In large enough numbers, they have the potential to deliver continuous, real-time global coverage, creating opportunities for optimization and prediction across a vast range of applications, such as: fighting wildfires, cargo monitoring (for example, vaccines, which must be kept at precise temperatures in transit) and tackling illegal fishing, to name just a few.

2 Morgan Stanley, Space: Investing in the Final Frontier, July 2020 Orbital Micro Systems’ IOD-1 GEMS 3U demonstration satellite, deployed on July 3, 2019. SatMagazine Page 33 June 2021 assembled at AAC Clyde Space’s new integration facility in Uppsala, Sweden. Scheduled for launch in 2022, it will carry a VDES payload from Saab and the data it captures will be integrated by ORBCOMM in its distribution center. Once it has demonstrated its capabilities, the plan is to launch a larger constellation that will revolutionize global maritime communications.

With smallsats numbering in the thousands orbiting the Earth, how do you think the space industry will deal with the issue of space debris now and in the immediate future?

Artistic rendition of the Arctic Weather Satellite, Luis Gomes courtesy of ESA and OHB Sweden. Given the expected growth in satellite launches over the next decade, the regulation probably needs to be revisited data with superior quality, which has gained strong and updated through consultation with the industry. We interest from both public and private customers. In March are particularly focused on reducing the generation of of this year, Omnisys was awarded a contract to supply space debris as the New Space economy expands. This microwave sounding sensors to the European Space means complying with regulations, but also proactively Agency (ESA) project Arctic Weather Satellite. working on propulsive solutions for collision avoidance If successful, the project would enable, for the first time, and to accelerate re-entry. very short-range weather forecasting, or ‘nowcasting’, in the We are also working with clients to innovate on this issue. Arctic and lay the groundwork for a potential constellation For example, we are supporting British Space Forge of 16 satellites. Meteorologists will also use the mission to in designing a satellite platform that will leverage the improve weather forecasts around the world. space environment for production in-orbit. The satellite is intended to stay in-orbit for six months and then descend How are you using smallsat technology to to Earth for the product to be delivered to customers. improve life on Earth? They will develop a satellite design based on our standard products, adjusting for re-entry into the atmosphere and Luis Gomes landing on Earth. Over the past year, AAC Clyde Space has embarked on several exciting projects that will enable businesses and governments to understand the environment better, manage our planet’s resources more efficiently, and help us all to live more safely and sustainably. In example, we are excited to be part of a team that is delivering the next generation of maritime communications to seafarers worldwide, improving safety and efficiency on the oceans. Together with Saab and ORBCOMM, we are developing the first satellite of a future constellation that will provide a space-based VDES (Very High Frequency Data Exchange System) for two-way communication between satellite and ground. The added space capability will increase VDES’ range from the shoreline to anywhere in the ocean, converting what is currently a predominantly coastal system into a global maritime system. VDES can be integrated with e-navigation systems, enabling savings in fuel and emissions of up to 25 percent. It also provides more bandwidth than the widely Artistic rendition of Space Forge’s ForgeStar-1 manufacturing satellite on-orbit. Image is courtesy of SPACE FORGE. used Automatic Identification System (AIS) for better coordination between ships, which means fewer accidents. Where accidents do occur, VDES will enable quicker Normally, smallsats burn as they enter the atmosphere, response times, allowing for faster clean-up of any but Space Forge are developing technologies to enable diesel or oil spills. VDES is also a game-changer in the return of satellites from space to Earth for recovery, the detection of illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, refurbishment and eventual re-launch. and transshipments (all ships are fitted with AIS, but this can be manually turned off to avoid detection). The satellite we are developing, a 3U cubesat, is the first of Please explain what SDaaS is and why this a planned future constellation and will be the first satellite technology’s development is so important to

SatMagazine Page 34 June 2021 the company? Will the company be as engaged with the military/agency/government market segments as Luis Gomes the firm is within the commercial environs? If so, SDaaS changes the game as the technology allows us to please discuss these opportunities as you serve multiple customers with the same constellation. For see them. these reasons, it will be the top growth engine for AAC over the coming years and we are positioning ourselves Luis Gomes to be a world leader in this market. We are a company that has a strong focus on commercial business,and we thrive in that environment. However, What do you believe gives AAC Clyde Space an we also engage extensively with civilian agencies edge in this sector? and governments in Europe and we want to extend those relations even further. In the US, we see great Luis Gomes opportunities to sell to the Government with the type of In the last year we have enhanced and accelerated our hardware and services that we offer. ability to deliver space-based data and services to our The great opportunity for supplying the public sector clients to meet fast-growing demand. First, through our is through SDaaS. This can offer a real alternative to the acquisition of SpaceQuest, which already operates its own traditional slow and expensive practice of procuring space constellation and ground station network and provides assets every time an agency needs some data. SDaaS offers immediate clients and profitable revenues in this area. a scalable and cost effective way of growing available data We have also secured the xSPANCION contract with types and quantities, leveraging the investments done ESA to design and develop an innovative constellation of by industry. We already saw some tentative steps in this 10 satellites. Critically, through this work we will develop direction in the US and we expect to start to see similar a blueprint for developing future constellations that will moves in Europe. anchor the development of SDaaS to our clients. Regarding military space, we have traditionally supplied As demand for data continues to explode, the industry partners that supply the DoD or MoDs, rather than selling is already working to deliver the next generation directly, but I see this changing. The technology and services of constellation services: from scaled, responsive that we are now flying is proving increasingly interesting manufacturing to satellite multitasking, on-orbit data to several military forces, particularly as some civilian processing and storage, inter-satellite communications systems can offer valuable ancillary data or services for and end-user interfaces. New sensors are providing data surveillance and monitoring. In this context, I could see that wasn’t even available before. AAC Clyde Space playing a bigger role in this area. Again, we have enhanced our capabilities here through our recent acquisition of Omnisys, which has 20 years How does the UK space industry look to you as a of experience developing profitable high-performance national mission committed to the development electronics hardware, including world-class sensors. For of space through the production and launch of example, Omnisys microwave sounders give us a leading smallsats to orbit? position in space-based weather data. Our acquisition of Hyperion gives us access to Luis Gomes key technologies, including propulsion and laser We are extremely supportive of, and committed to, the UK communications, that add substantial capabilities to our space strategy. The UK was one of the great innovators (if missions and will help us to overcome two major challenges not THE great innovator) in small satellite technology. faced by the industry: increasing congestion in Low Earth The development of the industry was Orbit (LEO) and radio frequency bandwidth limits. hampered in the past by a lack of clear direction It’s also important to note that we have 15 years of from previous governments. I am very encouraged by operational experience in this industry, grounded in the current government’s attitude and support for the engineering expertise that starts at the subsystem level industry, showing intent to ensure the UK is a world and extends through to integration, production, testing, leader in this sector. The investment in OneWeb, the in-orbit operations and data delivery. creation of designated space ports in Scotland and This vertical integration gives us control over our supply Cornwall, as well as the energy going into Sovereign chain and means that we can be quicker to innovate and launch, will help achieve that leadership role. respond to client needs — a powerful edge in a fast- evolving market. Mr. Gomes, what truly excites you about the future developments you see coming to the smallsat market at AAC Clyde Space?

Luis Gomes I’m hugely excited about what we’re doing at AAC Clyde Space, fulfilling the promise of many years of smallsat development to improve life on Earth. The increased ability to deliver complex data products and services to

SatMagazine Page 35 June 2021 AAC Clyde Space subsystems. our customers will drive much of our commercial success. This constellation will offer communication services to When I imagine the future, I see a company delivering a autonomous ships around the world, paired with some of range of services and data, from an on-orbit constellation the most accurate weather forecasts the world has ever built around highly flexible, reconfigurable satellites. seen. These forecasts will also help the farmers that will receive the millions of square kilometers of images that the constellation will capture every day, to deliver higher yields from their fields. These are just some of the developments that we are already working on. There will be others, some that at this stage are just an idea, but that our constellation, the satellites, the ground network and our people will enable. Our satellite technology, used in a tightly interconnected network of satellites, is linked by highly efficient laser terminals from Hyperion and communication with the SpaceQuest ground network.

The possibilities are endless.

www.aac-clyde.space

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Author: Doreet Oren, Director, Product Marketing & Corporate Communications, Gilat Satellite Networks

Just about everyone acknowledges the importance The Elastic Era, the next generation of satellite of Internet connectivity to foster economic growth, communication, will more accurately and efficiently drive social inclusion and meet consumer demand. It focus resources on actual demand at minimal costs. This is also widely understood that satellite communication transformation will address the major satellite industry can significantly assist by delivering bandwidth to challenges of delivering affordable higher throughput regions that lack terrestrial connectivity and to moving services, with ensured availability and lower latency. platforms such as airplanes, cruise ships and other commercial vessels. Both the ground segment and the new generation of satellites, regardless of orbit, will be software-defined. However, to meet the growing demands of a truly connected The new satellites of the Elastic Era will enable on-the-fly world, the satellite communication industry is going through in-orbit programmability of thousands of beams in terms a fundamental transformation. Next generation satellite of coverage, bandwidth and power. technology is evolving to multi-orbit constellations that include Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) constellations, Additional functionality is the ability to configure specific Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS) as well as traditional beams to track airplanes and ships and thereby to deliver Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites. fixed SLA to moving platforms globally.

At Gilat, we refer to this next generation as the Elastic Era These new generation satellite capabilities will require of satellite communication, that will deliver greater agility, smart innovation of the ground segment to provide flexibility and scalability utilizing cloud technologies and the needed software-defined platforms to deliver on- Software Defined Networking (SDN). the-fly configuration of carriers, higher throughput

SatMagazine Page 38 June 2021 data processing, and the required flexibility and tight The key benefit here is the optimization of ground coordination between ground and space. infrastructure, reducing footprint and costs since hardware is only added when network operation increases, The key to delivering on the Elastic Era promise of maximizing CAPEX utilization from day-one operation. ubiquitous connectivity for fixed and mobility sites, 5G and The virtualized architecture supports a cloud infrastructure IoT, is the seamless integration between software-defined and thereby significantly improves software agility and satellites and the ground segment, both controlled and compute density. managed by smart resource management. Another component which addresses dynamic network Implications of the Elastic Era optimization is the programmable SDN. The SDN allows on the Ground-Segment for on-the-fly changes to the beam carrier configuration, which can be modified to increase or decrease capacity The ground-segment component of next generation satellite to better accommodate service needs, or to mitigate communication systems will need to support multiple orbit signal fade conditions. solutions while exponentially increasing performance, density and flexibility. The ability to be both scalable and For example, as a large passenger airplane goes agile is precisely what is needed for the Elastic Era. through a beam, capacity can be temporarily increased to accommodate the intensified usage. Or, when fade Gilat’s elastic architecture supports the dynamic needs of mitigation is required the SDN provides capacity steering the network throughout its ongoing operation. This includes to ensure uninterrupted service. The elastic architecture accommodation of day-one operation over a large geographic enables seamless reconfiguration of resources. coverage area, as well as scaling up with increased bandwidth, an increase in users and expanded geographic coverage To allow for real-time changes in terminal throughput as well as support during the network maturity phase and demand over specific geographic locations, Gilat’s elastic accommodating ongoing changing demands. architecture also allows dynamic capacity steering of resources between beams. It is no longer necessary to A significant component of the elastic architecture is the allocate the maximum needed carrier size and compute fact that ground-segment scalability is no longer tied to power ahead of time. Due to this, the inefficient “design beam structure and peak usage; network scaling is now to peak usage” is no longer required. independent of beam throughput, beam footprint and beam coverage.

SatMagazine Page 39 June 2021 Network Performance It is essential for the elastic network to have the flexibility such as incorporating different VSAT types on the same The Elastic Era of connectivity requires a tremendous beam and various applications on the same network. To increase in speed. meet this challenge, a wide range of return carrier symbol rates are needed to address the variety of applications Next generation VSATs must be designed to serve, with and their dynamic needs. maximum efficiency, data intensive applications. The VSATs must exhibit ultra-high processing capacity, achieving Addressing the Challenges unprecedented high throughputs for both downloads and of Moving Satellites uploads including high packets per second processing, to meet the high-performance demands. The combination Supporting GEO networks has its own set of challenges of high throughput and the low latency from NGSO for the ground-segment. However, the Elastic Era constellations creates an opportunity for delay-sensitive poses additional challenges for the ground-segment; applications to be served by satellite communication. NGSO constellations require that the ground-segment communicate with “moving” satellites. As an answer to this need, Gilat has launched the Aquarius family of next generation VSATs to address tomorrow’s Gilat’s elastic architecture is designed to address the multi- data and media intensive applications. The Aquarius orbit operation of any satellite constellation, LEO or MEO, family of VSATs builds-on Gilat’s long-time expertise and including seamless handovers between GEO and NGSO, patented technologies and enables more than 2 Gigabits implementing “make before break” for an uninterrupted of concurrent speeds and higher packets per second to user experience. This ensures that service is continuous serve bandwidth hungry applications such as required for and that the change of coverage between satellites in 5G connectivity. different orbits is totally transparent to the end-user.

Another performance concern of a next generation Furthermore, there are additional complex design satellite network is the return access scheme, that must considerations for the ground-segment when operating rapidly adjust to the changes in the network. The VSATs with “moving” satellites,” such as processes for satellite must have the flexibility to best address the “moving” acquisition, initial pointing and VSAT logon, as well as satellites as well as high throughput backhauling and continuous communication while performing seamless mobility applications. satellite handover.

SatMagazine Page 40 June 2021 In addition, as these new NGSO satellites are constantly Gilat’s next generation ground-system is designed moving relative to each other, the Doppler effect and the to be able to monitor and collect detailed accurate dynamic fade of the physical link are significant. These information in real-time and at a high resolution, on all conditions can be mitigated with Gilat’s Air-Interface elements of the network. The ground-system must also modifications that include timing synchronization, have the intelligence to receive input from the RM in frequency corrections and power management. order to smoothly and seamlessly execute configuration changes without service interruption. It is the agility of It is important to note that we expect that GEO, MEO the elastic architecture that steers network resources and LEO constellations will continue to live in harmony from place to place. as complementary technologies, each with its own advantages. As such, Gilat’s elastic architecture is Change for the Better designed to provide seamless handover between orbits. This is important to enable multi-orbit, per application and The Elastic Era will go a long way in bridging the digital per geographic area with varied service options, and to divide; billions of devices will now be able to access deliver orbit redundancy. A seamless multi-orbit operation low latency real-time applications that will unleash new ensures that users can continue to enjoy uninterrupted market opportunities where satellite communication service being completely oblivious to the orbit switch. was previously unfeasible or commercially challenging. It will support bandwidth intensive applications such as Integrating Satellite and 5G cellular backhaul, video conferencing, tele-medicine, Ground-Segment Resources banking/trading, IoT aggregation and other cloud-based applications. It will also add additional communication In conventional networks, the satellite and ground system capabilities to markets already using satellite connectivity are managed separately and relatively decoupled. including maritime, commercial/business aviation, However, in the Elastic Era of satellite connectivity, much education, government and rich media services. tighter integration will be required between satellites and the ground-segment. For this, a Resource Manager The Elastic Era of satellite communication is creating a (RM) is required. This next generation component will gradual but profound change in our digital lives and that coordinate between the space and ground-segment to will influence all aspects of our existence. address the dynamic changes needed to meet both user demand and network conditions of the elastic network. www.gilat.com/#

The RM will carefully analyze real-time situations as well as anticipate upcoming trends that require smart decisions regarding resource allocations in space and on the ground. The RM will then orchestrate the required changes to both segments simultaneously, in a unified and streamlined manner. For example, creating a new beam in space and generating a new carrier on the ground must Author Doreet Oren ([email protected]) is be coordinated from one central place, to ensure reliable Director of Product Marketing & Corporate and fast network operation. Communications for Gilat Satellite Networks. Doreet Oren has been in this role since 2012 In order for the Resource Manager to make optimal and has been responsible for defining product ongoing decisions on current network requirements, it positioning, messaging, go-to-market strategies, must receive from the ground-segment real-time input on market research, and analyst relations. the network’s status such as: per beam user demand, links’ Oren has more than 20 years of industry utilization, fade conditions and user locations. In addition, experience, and has held management positions the RM must receive detailed information on the status of in R&D, product management and product marketing, the resources from both the ground and space segments. for international high-tech companies. In this capacity she contributed to next generation product definition and was Gilat’s SDN platform is designed to provide the required responsible for delivering the company’s vision to the media high agility by enabling fast steering of platform resources and analyst community. in addition to providing high quality big-data collection Doreet has published thought leadership articles in renowned that is used as input to the RM’s smart decision making. international journals, and has spoken at numerous industry This is done with a robust open interface that supports conferences worldwide. Oren received a BSc in Computer streaming of large volumes of information to the RM. Science from George Washington University.

SatMagazine Page 41 June 2021 InfoBeam

Dawn Aerospace Secures Funding pre-commercial testing. Customers for the Mk-II service will include weather agencies, government entities and start-ups.

Dawn Aerospace, a New Zealand/Dutch aerospace company, has announced significant backing from New Zealand’s largest tech investment firm, Movac.

Dawn is creating next-generation space transportation technologies. This investment will be used to scale the The vehicle is capable of capturing atmospheric data and production of Dawn’s in-space propulsion products and will be used as a test bed for technology demonstrations. to progress Dawn’s Mk-II, a suborbital plane that uses Much of the technology in this platform will also be use in rocket engines, to a fully-fledged commercial service. Dawn’s Mk-III, an orbital satellite launch vehicle.

Movac has invested in a number of successful New Zealand tech companies including Vend, Unleashed Software, Aroa Biosurgery, PowerbyProxi, Greenbutton and Trade Me. Global From Day One (GD1) and Dawn’s existing investors, Icehouse Ventures and Erik Swan — have also contributed.

Since 2019, Dawn has provided in-space propulsion products to customers across the globe. These propulsion units have launched on SpaceX, Soyuz and Vega launchers, and the B20 thruster has since been validated in hundreds of on-orbit firings. Customers for the products include an IoT constellation, a space tug provider and Earth Observation (EO) companies. Dawn recently relocated their New Zealand-based operations to a larger facility in Christchurch, an 1,800 sqm workshop and office space. The new premises will support increased production and scaled R&D.

“This funding will help us scale production to meet customer demand, and continue developing products and services for the future of sustainable space transportation,” said Stefan Powell, Dawn CTO and Co-founder. “We’re thrilled to have the support of the talented team at Movac, and the continued support of our existing investors.”

Movac partner Mark Stuart commented, “We’re Dawn Aerospace’s B20 smallsat thruster. delighted to be able to work alongside Stefan and the Photo is courtesy of the company. Dawn team. Dawn’s technology and level of ambition is really compelling, and given our experience in working alongside some of the New Zealand’s most Dawn’s Mk-II suborbital spaceplane has been certified ambitious founders, we think it’s an excellent match.” for flight in New Zealand and is currently undergoing

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New IOSC most modern services and eliminate the digital divide Director General Elected around the world.” From 2008, Ksenia Drozdova had been in charge of business development at a leading Russian satellite operator RSCC. She had initiated and managed a number of projects to promote Russian satellite constellation-based communication services to foreign markets. She is the author of numerous articles on the development of satellite communications in Russia and The decision to name Ksenia Drozdova as a co-author of the development strategy of Russian the Director General was approved at the joint Satellite Communications Company. 49th session of the Board and 23rd session of the Operations Committee of the Intersputnik She was awarded the Medal of the Order for Merit International Organization of Space Communications to the Fatherland of the II degree Intersputnik IOSC , the gratitude of ( ), held from April 5 to May 14, 2021, the President of the Russian Federation for her great in a remote format. contribution to the implementation of the project for the Russian Federation’s transition to the digital TV The Ministry expressed confidence that broadcasting, the Certificate of Honor of the President Ksenia Drozdova would ensure stable of the Russian Federation, numerous departmental and operation and further development of enterprise awards. the organization. Sixteen organizations, acting as the members of the Board of Ksenia was also an award winner of the 2020 Prize Intersputnik IOSC and on behalf of the of the Government of the Russian Federation in Members, and 19 organizations members the field of science and technology for the creation of the Operations Committee took part in of a national satellite constellation to provide digital the voting for this leadership position. telecommunications services in the Russian Federation. From 2009 for more than 10 years, Ksenia Drozdova had held office as the Chair of the Operations Committee of Intersputnik IOSC. Under her leadership, the Operations Committee established effective interaction between Intersputnik member countries and significantly expanded the satellite capabilities that organization members offer to their customers.

As Director General of the international organization, she will head the Directorate — the permanent executive and administrative body of Intersputnik — and will be engaged in the further development of the organization. Intersputnik IOSC will continue the policy of strengthening ties and coordinating interaction both within the system of international organizations and with regional telecommunication organizations.

Intersputnik also plans to actively develop its own space fleet, including a virtual network operator (VNO) model.

“Our priority is to provide people of the Intersputnik member states with convenient access to all satellite- based services: from B2B solutions to end user communication options,” said Ksenia. “The members of our organization have satellite fleets in different orbits – low, medium, geostationary – and the service areas of their spacecraft cover the entire globe. I believe that Intersputnik will use all advanced capabilities of the constellations in any type of orbit to provide the

SatMagazine Page 44 June 2021 InfoBeam

Gilat’s Extension Of The Agribusiness IoT market addresses a critical need Multi-Million$$$ Project in to better provide communication between the field and the office. LATAM Expands Ag. IoT Network Gilat provides the 4G network expansion to support the growing business with connectivity of machines that require real-time control and monitoring of harvesters and agricultural tractors.

This ensures cost-effective decisions, better crop management and greater speed, efficiency and productivity in the production flow.

“Gilat’s leading 4G cellular backhaul solution supports applications such as the exciting IoT market,” said Michal Aharonov, Senior Vice President Global Broadband Networks at Gilat. “We are proud to further solidify our partner’s IoT Agribusiness network Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: delivering increased productivity to the farming GILT), provider of satellite networking technology, industry in rural Latin America.” solutions and services, announce the extension of its multi-million dollar IoT project in Latin America. Tier- 1 MNO extends coverage of Gilat’s cellular backhaul solution as it expands its Agriculture IoT network.

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SatMagazine Page 45 June 2021 Preserving The Space Environment...

...for future generations

Author: Dr. Walter Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Maxar Technologies

Artistic rendition of Maxar’s Worldview Legion satellite on-orbit above Earth. Image is courtesy of Maxar Technologies.

SatMagazine Page 46 June 2021 Recently, the Space Safety Coalition (SSC) issued If you’re unlucky, you get a collision such as the one that the “Best Practices for Sustainability of Space occurred between a defunct Russian Cosmos satellite Operations.” and an Iridium communications satellite in 2009, — that was responsible for nearly doubling the amount of debris This document, co-signed by 21 space companies, in that orbital band. advocates that any spacecraft operating at 400 kilometers or more above Earth should include a propulsion system I’ve mentioned there are about 29,000 tracked objects in for maneuvering, allowing each spacecraft to move itself space. However, there are a lot more pieces too small to out of a potential collision path instead of relying on track — an estimated 166 million pebble sized pieces1 are others to always maneuver around it, as well as a number zipping around in space. of other common sense principles. While the probability of one of these pieces hitting a This will create a safer space environment for all to operate satellite is small (on the order of a million to one chance), in now and for generations to come. each collision makes the problem worse. There’s actually a term for this, the Kessler Syndrome, in which each Maxar Technologies fully endorses the “Best collision makes the problem exponentially worse. Practices for Sustainability of Space Operations” and encourages Congress to introduce legislation based We don’t want that to happen, because if it did, it could on these best practices. make certain regions of near Earth space completely unusable for satellites or humans. We rely on space for our everyday lives. Weather satellites enable us to forecast the next snowstorm, so we can stock Fortunately, we’re quite a long time away from space up on food. GPS lets us navigate to a new destination, becoming unusable. Companies are creating new ways to using maps that come from imaging satellites. track objects on orbit, including a new commercial solution Maxar is testing, which is the first step in containing the GPS also provides the precise timing used for banking space debris problem. transactions and to make it possible for cell phones—and banking transactions—to work. And, of course, there is But space, similar to other common areas (such as NFL Sunday Ticket on DirecTV. the oceans), requires responsible actions by all space operators to keep it usable for future generations. Space is also a big place. To put this into context, between the lowest practical orbit (350 km above Earth’s surface) This is where rules of the road come in, and I’d like to lay and geostationary orbit (100 times further up, at 35,000 out a few common sense ones: km), the volume of “near Earth” space is about 270 times the volume of Earth. Propulsion Spacecraft operating above 400 km altitude should Current estimates indicate there’s 29,000 objects that be required to carry propulsion to execute timely are 4 inches or bigger being tracked in that space1, so it and effective avoidance maneuvers. It’s simply not seems like it would be pretty empty and we don’t have to acceptable for a satellite operator to place the burden worry about collisions, right? of avoiding a collision on other satellite operators — this is everyone’s responsibility. Well, not exactly. There’s another aspect of space: orbital velocity. Satellites in space don’t stand still — they zip This is why SSC‘s “Best Practices for Sustainability of around in their orbits at high speed. In Low Earth Orbit Space Operations” advocates for spacecraft operators (LEO) (closest to Earth’s gravitation pull), this is around 7.6 to adopt space operations concepts that enhance km/sec, or over 16,000 miles an hour. sustainability of the space environment. Why 400 kilometers? It’s a natural dividing line; the International If two objects in space collide, it’s not a gentle nudge but Space Station operates at 403 km altitude (nobody rather a big resounding KABOOM. This results in a lot more wants to see the movie “Gravity” played out in real small pieces of debris that need to be tracked. life), and below 400 km, atmospheric drag is enough to make those orbits “self-cleaning” (see Figure 1 on the If you’re lucky, the collision may knock off a corner of following feature page). your solar array, such as what happened when Maxar’s WorldView-2 satellite was hit in 2016 by a small piece of debris. Fortunately, this had no impact on WorldView-2’s ability to operate.

SatMagazine Page 47 June 2021 Figure 1

Encryption This is akin to the use of Automatic Identification Satellites with propulsion should be required to have System (AIS) transponders in ocean-going vessels, encryption and authentication on their command link, which broadcast their location to other ships using AIS to ensure that only the satellite operator can control to enable safe navigation, and the data is available how the propulsion is used. publicly online.

We don’t want a hacker to take control of a satellite and Littering maneuver it into the path of another one to cause an Satellites and launch vehicles need to be designed so intentional collision. they do not throw off debris during or after launch.

Navigation While already largely adopted, it’s important that Satellites with propulsion should be able to determine launch providers and space operators have a plan to their position, and the operators of these satellites deorbit launch materials at the end of their life or move should be required to share this position data (along them to a safe orbit that’s out of the way and won’t have with any planned maneuvers) with a central repository, collision risks. such as the Combined Space Operations Center (formerly known as the Joint Space Operations We could, however, designate the region below 400 Center [JSpOC]), to facilitate safe navigation by all km altitude as an “experimental” zone where the listed satellite operators. requirements would not be imposed.

The U.S. government is working on a plan to move These orbits are low enough that any debris will tend to this repository to a civilian agency, such as the U.S. reenter Earth’s atmosphere, burning up within weeks to Department of Commerce to enable a more open and months, making them much less of a concern. accessible repository for all global satellite operators.

SatMagazine Page 48 June 2021 And few, if any, commercial or government satellites operate at those altitudes. Recently, Daniel Nord joined Maxar as Senior Vice President, Chief Product Officer. Leaving the below-400 km region available without the Nord joins Maxar from Amazon, where he above restrictions makes operating in space still affordable first led Product Management for Games for operators of the growing number of inexpensive, and then served as GM for Amazon Kids and experimental or educational cubesats. Family’s Mobile, Content and International divisions. In that role, he led a Product The commercial and government use of space is Management organization that tripled the accelerating rapidly. It’s time we have a way to regulate mobile subscriber base, expanded the service space traffic, similar as to how traffic on Earth is controlled. to Europe and Asia and released Amazon’s first original franchise, spanning games, shows, books and Even though the first gas-powered automobile was created merchandise. in the 1880s, it wasn’t until the 1910s (three decades) to Prior to Amazon, Nord spent 7 years at Electronic Arts as bring some sensibility to who had the right-of-way on the a studio GM and head of Product Management for Mobile road with the invention of the stop light. and VR. He has a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a Maxar, along with the other co-signers of the SSC ,believe Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering it’s time to bring sensibility to space. from University of Pennsylvania. In his new role leading the Earth Intelligence Product We’re asking the U.S. space industry to unite behind organization at Maxar, Nord will drive strategy and these best practices and talk to their senators and vision for Maxar’s product roadmap and user experience representatives about introducing legislation that reflect to accelerate growth across its government and these best practices. commercial technology customers. He will lead a team of approximately 400 employees at several Maxar locations We ask our international industry partners to bring these in the U.S. and Sweden. ideas to their respective governments for consideration. Jeff Culwell, who has been with Maxar for 22 years, stepped in to lead the Product organization in 2019. In that The “Best Practices for Sustainability of Space role, he enabled the company to operationalize IP to power Operations” is a starting point to getting rules of the road new products and solutions and drove key technology and established in space — but, in the big picture, all four infrastructure gains. The Maxar team is grateful for Jeff’s common sense principles I’ve outlined in this article need leadership and looks forward to his ongoing contributions to be implemented to keep space a safe environment as he transitions to a new position in the chief technology available now and in the years to come. office, where he will focus on strategic engineering and internal research and development programs. References “Daniel Nord’s keen understanding and 1 K. Fletcher, Space Debris: The ESA Approach, European Space Agency, ISBN successful track record with immersive, digital 978-92-9221-104-2, 2017. product lines will be invaluable as we continue to expand our Earth Intelligence product roadmap and scale our offerings in new www.maxar.com and existing markets,” said Dan Jablonsky, Maxar CEO. “Maxar’s momentum with the U.S. Army’s digital training environment, One World Terrain, demonstrates the convergence of our existing 3D technologies, world-leading data capabilities and unique IP. As we continue to develop The Digital Globe™, a highly-accurate, 3D, digital twin of the Earth, we see great opportunities to grow product offerings with Dr. Walter S. Scott is DigitalGlobe’s founder existing customers and expand into adjacent markets like . and served as its Executive Vice President and gaming, augmented reality and autonomous navigation ” Chief Technical Officer. He was responsible for “Maxar’s 30 and 15 cm HD WorldView satellite data, 3D DigitalGlobe’s Platform and Services Business capabilities and unique georegistration IP are key to solving Units, as well as space system acquisition. From customer problems across the planet. They also enable 1986 through 1992, Walter held a number of AI and ML algorithms to more effectively produce high- technical, program, and department management positions at accuracy, derivative products for a variety of applications the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, including serving and solve customer needs at speed and at scale,” said as the assistant associate director of the Physics Department. Daniel Nord. “Maxar is the only company out there doing Prior to this, Walter served as president of Scott Consulting, this with global reach, and I’m excited to show how we a Unix systems and applications consulting firm. Walter holds can grow the business with existing and new solutions for a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics, magna cum laude, defense, intelligence and technology customers.” from Harvard College and a Doctorate and Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. SatMagazine Page 49 June 2021 Executive Spotlight Austin Link Co-Founder, Starfish Space

Austin Link is a co-founder at Starfish Space where he’s giving life to on-orbit services. Originally from Iowa, he then went to Stanford for a B.S. in Physics and later Purdue for an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering. In the Aerospace industry, Austin has worked at Lockheed Martin on THAAD and at Blue Origin on a variety of launch vehicles and engines. His particular focus has been on space system architecture, modeling, and operating under uncertainty, all tools that are being applied at Starfish Space.

Artistic rendition of Starfish Space’s CEPHALOPOD software being tested on the Tenzing smallsat this summer. Image is courtesy of the company.

SatMagazine Page 50 June 2021 into Earth orbit and eventually the universe. The chance to make humanity’s activities in space more dynamic was so exciting we had to take the leap.

Worth nothing is that the number one source of confidence in starting Starfish Space was the chance to work with Trevor. He’s an extraordinary engineer and his mind makes ambitious undertakings possible. He’s also an extraordinary friend. Not all business partners are fortunate enough to have had Thanksgiving dinner together for the last three years. Working with Trevor brings a little extra joy to the every day operations at Starfish.

You’re developing a space tug for satellite servicing. For those who may not know what a space tug is, can you explain its purpose and why a space tug is important?

Austin Link The term “space tug” has been around for decades to describe vehicles that provide on-orbit transportation. Rockets are the first phase in space transportation, similar to trans-oceanic shipping. The American economy boomed as railroads and later, roads, transported goods more efficiently on land and space tugs will someday serve the same purpose on-orbit.

Starfish Space’s Otter space tug initiating a docking maneuver. Image That’s a zoomed-out description of space tugs. In the is courtesy of the company. more immediate time frame, the term is used to indicate satellites of two types: those that deliver other satellites Good day, Mr. Link. You and your co-founder, at the start of their life, and those that perform satellite Dr. Trevor Bennett, are former Blue Origin servicing operations for satellites already on-orbit. engineers. What made you want to start Starfish Space a year and half ago? At Starfish Space, our Otter space tug falls into the latter category. We are focused on two satellite servicing Austin Link missions. First is life extension in Geosynchronous Orbit Like everything with engineers, this was a calculated (GEO). We can help a satellite maintain its spot on-orbit decision — Blue Origin was a great place to work, really for several years after it runs out of fuel. Second is debris a dream job. I was fortunate to be surrounded by many removal in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). We can supplement brilliant engineers and I learned a ton from them. Blue the de-orbiting of satellites to ensure they don’t become also has an incredible vision for our future in space, one debris polluting orbits. that’s very aligned with what we envision at Starfish. These missions are important as they help customers Trevor has always had the entrepreneurship bug... I think maximize the resources they have on-orbit. They also he grew up with it. I, on the other hand, was late to the ensure that space remains a safe place for us to continue party. A couple of years ago, I attended a space industry to build digital infrastructure for the future through the conference. I left that event with two major takeaways. extensive deployment of new satellites. First, the work that we were doing at Blue Origin was really exciting, and I was reinvigorated for what was ahead. The A space tug will help with satellite servicing and other takeaway was contradictory: I was struck at the space debris removal, which is currently a major awesome work of startups such as Rocket Lab, Made In topic of interest. Why is it a problem and how Space and Analytical Space. It made entrepreneurship in might the problem get bigger if we don’t do space seem possible to me, and it was soon after that something about it? Trevor and I began more serious discussions. Austin Link As Trevor and I talked, the more we realized we had a Space is really expansive. But there are a few particular similar concept for providing value to customers in space, regions that are useful places to place satellites. Once put both in the medium and long term, through a space tug. As into these orbits, satellites stay there effectively forever, the off-world economy develops, autonomy, robotics and even after they stop operating. logistics on-orbit are essential to expanding more deeply

SatMagazine Page 51 June 2021 These dead satellites become hazards that threaten other Starfish Space is hoping to help with space satellites and even astronauts. Eventually these dead debris and, at the same time, become a satellites collide with other objects, shattering into debris profitable business. How have you formed a that causes an even more extensive threat. With enough business model around this service? objects on-orbit, a collision can trigger a chain reaction known as the Kessler Syndrome, which would render that Austin Link orbital regime unusable thereafter. The Otter space tug, and other similar approaches, are not the most efficient methods of de-orbiting a satellite. That None of this is new knowledge and, in fact, many feels like something I shouldn’t say, but it’s important to satellite operators have operated responsibly for years by be honest about what we as a company can accomplish. disposing of their satellites by burning them up in Earth’s Most satellites should use their own engine and propellant atmosphere or into less useful orbits that are termed to move to a disposal orbit. “Graveyard Orbits.” They deserve credit for this action, and so far, it has meant there’s been only one significant The value of the Otter is as a supplementary tug. For debris collision on-orbit. a constellation, it turns out to be more cost efficient to operate a little longer, then dispose of the majority of the The space landscape is changing, though, with the launch satellites on their own. The Otter will then clear up the 5 of mega-constellations from companies like SpaceX, to 10 percent of satellites that can’t complete the disposal Amazon and OneWeb. All told, there’s likely to be five by themselves. times as many satellites launched this decade as have been launched in all of human history until the current There’s significant extra revenue from taking a little risk day. That means we have to become more serious about and obtaining a couple of extra years from a constellation. space debris to preserve these valuable orbits. That dwarfs the cost of a space tug disposing of a few satellites. In the end, that means we help satellite operators to derive the most from their on-orbit assets.

SatMagazine Page 52 June 2021 A space tug is a great first step in developing I would be remiss if I didn’t also highlight the awesome the off-world economy. What is the big picture? partners we’re working with as part of this mission. We’re How will developing a space tug influence future flying on an Astro Digital made satellite. Additionally, off-world development? different phases of the mission involve working with Accion Systems, Benchmark Space Systems, Orbit Fab, and Austin Link SCOUT. The incredible step this mission represents for us Satellite servicing is a large industry and we’re excited is only possible because we have fabulous partners. to help customers get more from their satellites. The autonomy and robotics technologies involved in Otter You’ve accomplished a lot in a year and a also form essential infrastructure for the developing half. How do you view the importance of off-world economy. collaboration with other space companies?

When Trevor and I look out at the future on-orbit Austin Link spacecraft we see a variety of commercial activities that We want to work together. In the space industry, we will someday come into existence. These activities include sometimes cooperate and sometimes compete. It’s not satellite servicing, but also assembly of large structures, uncommon to find companies doing both at the same time. manufacturing on-orbit, power generation stations, mining of asteroids, even recycling old space debris. This However, we’re a unique industry because we’re all fueled is the same line of thinking as Blue Origin’s “Millions of by the same dream at the end of the day. I, like the rest of people living and working in space.” the industry, dream of being Jean-Luc Picard standing on the deck of the USS Enterprise exploring the Final Frontier These lines of business probably won’t develop in the (some people dream of being Captain Kirk; we must be 2020s. Some of them will likely have long time horizons for patient with them until they see the light). implementation. For all of them we need a more dynamic environment in space, one where it’s possible to easily This particular dream may be unlikely but, even if it isn’t and efficiently move objects that are on-orbit. We think me, I hope that someday somebody has that experience. the Otter provides the foundational infrastructure that will Our only chance to reach some version of that future is to enable these and other commercial space activities. work together and collaborate as an industry.

Starfish Space will be launching its software this At Starfish Space, we want to be part of the rising tide June on a SpaceX Falcon 9 for your first in-space of innovative space companies providing value and joy demonstration. What is your goal with the in- for humans from orbit. We have a long way to go before space demonstration? we’ve really achieved the goals we’re aiming for, but we’re excited by our start and we hope to continue doing Austin Link our part. This demonstration is a tremendous milestone for Starfish Space. Because we’re focused on satellite servicing, our Space represents a unique opportunity for humans to key technology is software to control the rendezvous, dream, explore, discover and cooperate. If you’re entering proximity operations and docking (RPOD) of Otter. the space economy, or even if you’re just hearing about Starfish for the first time, please reach out. I’d love to find We’ve named this software CEPHALOPOD. It has an a way to work together. Contact me via email at austin@ extraordinary acronym (that’s the danger of allowing a starfishspace.com physics major to participate in the naming process). www.starfishspace.com This mission allows us to test CEPHALOPOD that will control the satellite through a suite of proximity operations maneuvers and simulated dockings. These maneuvers will include some first-of-their-kind proximity operation trajectories with electric propulsion, setting the stage for substantially more efficient satellite servicing vehicle architectures. All of these tests will help us build confidence in our key technology and provide data to drive future development.

SatMagazine Page 53 June 2021 Remote Network Maintenance

The disruptive ground technology

Author: Integrasys

Due to COVID-19’s invasion, remote work has become absolutely mandatory in many sectors and necessary to ensure the health and safety of company personnel.

Within the Satellite and Telecommunications industry, remote work is difficult to accomplish if the correct technologies are not present. This is especially true in Teleports and other, critical infrastructures that comprise the Network’s hot spot.

SatMagazine Page 54 June 2021 The network management, monitor and maintenance tasks In regard to commissioning, there are automatic tools are executed by Network Operating Centers (NOCs) that that integrate seamlessly to allow the entire process operate 24/7, as these centers need to control network to be automated by the software in order for the NOC performance and provide reports by detecting any incidences operators to have the reports available for each installed that may affect the proper functioning of any site ties into the site. Additionally, there are new developments that allow network infrastructure — plus manage all of the stored data. a seamless installation with No Touch Commissioning (NTC), all handled by the software. The traditional tasks carried out by teleport operators are totally subject to an individual’s work in person at the location Nowadays, with the COVID-19 situation, the NOC if the company cannot count on a ground technology to concept has had to change and network maintenance seamlessly automate such work. Network maintenance technologies are the key tool that enable operators technologies enable a secure environment for automating to work remotely. Thanks to a tool that gathers all of these onsite tasks as well as accomplish total management the capabilities to automate network management of the entire infrastructure. This allows those operators to and maintenance, remote work is now a reality in the work remotely with an end-to-end, virtualized teleport. satellite industry.

For instance, monitoring systems such as Controlsat enables The evaluation process provided by the network highly efficient network monitoring from a home or other maintenance tool, allows the operator to be more efficient remote location for any carrier within a satellite network. with real-time network control at anytime or anywhere This is accomplished in a secure and resilient environment. for each remote site. The sophisticated software enables remote control efficiencies that lead to personnel cost Additionally, network maintenance tools, such as Alusat, reductions and higher team performance, as it is crucial provide a virtual visit to every VSAT site on the network that each remote site be faultlessly managed by the and maximizes network performance all the while reducing NOC operators. costs for service failure. The Alusat tools integrate with the hub’s Network Management System (NMS) and enables In extreme situations, an immediate response is essential an automated update of critical network settings, such as to rectify any network failure and provide first-class Cross-pol Isolation or Compression Point, which can be service. Network maintenance tools are disruptive ground modified if such is required. technologies that enable the work carried out by End-to- End (E2E) systems and operators to maximize support By using these technologies, teleport operators can fix any execution and resiliency to be completely aligned with the problem that arises in any remote site within the network’s SLAs, provide high Quality of Service (QoS), and flawless infrastructure in real-time, all from that remote location. network performance. The automatic checking routine for troubleshooting and accurate problem diagnosis, which enables guided Thanks to smart tools, NOC Operators can comfortably procedures, allow anyone authorized individual to work remotely with total confidence in the reliability of seamlessly carry out the job. No time is spent correlating the network maintenance tools they are using to ensure and crossing a plethora of stored data manually or onsite. optimal network performance. Furthermore, to comply with most Service-Level Agreements (SLAs), maintenance is a mandatory inclusion www.integrasys-space.com in service contracts. The optimization and efficiency that maintenance tech provides to the operators ensures high- quality service, instant documentation, recognition of all outages, complete accounting of all actions and network status as well as engaging in testing and other important operational tasks.

Integrasys’ Controlsat screenshot. Integrasys’ Alusat screenshot.

SatMagazine Page 55 June 2021 We’re Polluting Our Future Home... Before We Even Live There This is why we need to clean up our space junk.

Author: Dr. Max Polyakov, Founder, Noosphere Ventures, Firefly Aerospace, EOS Data Analytics

We can clean up existing space debris and prevent the future generation of it. Image: NASA/Unsplash

“Space is big. Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly hugely mind-bogglingly big it is,” writes Douglas Adams in the cult sci-fi novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

SatMagazine Page 56 June 2021 Concentrations of space debris in low-Earth orbit and farther out in geostationary orbit. Image is courtesy of NASA.

It might seem absurd, then, that • Space junk is rapidly debris —– so we don’t end up with a space is also crowded — at least, proliferating in low-Earth problem on the scale of air or ocean the region closest to Earth. orbit, or LEO, which pollution before we even have the generates more debris and chance to inhabit the next frontier. Why are we so intent on exploring imperils space exploration. space when we have so many The Scale of Space Junk problems right here on Earth? • International space agencies From resource management, to are creating guidelines to At present, more than 2,200 multispectral imaging, to radar mitigate space junk, while operational satellites are orbiting mappers, our space-based tools can aerospace corporations Earth. But the growing concern is the help us solve Earth-based problems. are designing spacecraft to inoperative satellites, spent rockets Soon, armadas of small satellites will proactively minimize and and debris that also clutter the region connect the world by bringing the even pick up debris. — collectively called space debris or internet to everybody. space junk. • Concerted, collaborative As we are realizing the benefits of efforts on multiple fronts From the moment humanity entered our orbiting workforce, however, we are needed to eliminate space with the launch of Sputnik must also be proactive in mitigating existing debris and prevent I in 1957, orbital debris began to the rapid proliferation of space future generation of it. accumulate. By 2020, those 2,200

SatMagazine Page 57 June 2021 operational satellites were joined by approximately Where Does Space Junk Come From? 34,000 pieces of debris 10 cm in diameter or larger, roughly 900,000 objects from 1 cm to 10 cm, and more As long as humans launch objects into orbit, space debris than 128,000,000 pieces under 1 cm. is inevitable. Rocket launches leave boosters, fairings, interstages, and other debris in LEO. So do rocket The mass of debris in Earth orbit totals nearly 7 million explosions, which currently account for seven of the kilograms. While orbits eventually decay and debris can top 10 debris-creating events. re-enter and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, the process Human presence also creates orbital flotsam — such as can take years. cameras, pliers, an astronaut’s glove, a wrench, a spatula, Both satellites and space junk are primarily concentrated even a tool bag lost during space walks. in two regions. Some debris is created naturally from the impacts The two main concentrations of debris stand out: one of micrometeoroids — dust-sized fragments of asteroids in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and another farther out in and comets. Geostationary Orbit (GEO). With limited lifetimes, operational satellites can become In Earth’s equatorial plane, just under 30,000 km above space debris. Satellites run out of maneuvering fuel, Earth surface, hundreds of satellites are in geostationary batteries wear out, solar panels degrade — causing orbit. Most are communications and weather satellites, an orbital debris feedback loop, in which the problem but they share their orbit with deceased predecessors. is exacerbated when solar panels are sandblasted by micrometeoroids and tiny debris. The amount of junk in geostationary orbit pales in comparison to the satellites and debris in the zone that As with rocket debris, spent satellites eventually re-enter extends just above Earth’s atmosphere upwards to 2,000 Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, but the process can take km above its surface — known as LEO. years — and the higher they orbit above Earth, the longer those orbits take to decay. To get to higher orbits, the Moon, or other planets, spacecraft must pass through LEO, where debris is most dense and Space junk can impact operational spacecraft, yielding orbital velocities are greatest. So, space junk imperils not even more debris of all sizes, further increasing the impact merely spacecraft in LEO, but all forms of space travel. risk. This is known as “the Kessler syndrome,” named Read Who owns our orbit: Just how many satellites are for NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler, who hypothesized there in space? for more details. spacecraft and orbital debris could reach a density such that each impact generates more debris and a greater

The number and types of trackable pieces of space debris in Earth orbit, 1960 to present. Image: European Space Agency (ESA)

SatMagazine Page 58 June 2021 likelihood of colliding with other objects — rendering the Researchers in use of LEO impossible for decades. (This was depicted Japan are even in the 2013 film Gravity, in which astronauts portrayed experimenting with by George Clooney and Sandra Bullock are stranded in wooden spacecraft space after debris hits their shuttle.) to minimize the levels of toxic Even the tiniest space debris is a hazard: particles the size debris introduced of dust grains, even paint chips, can scour hard-to-protect into Earth’s upper components like optics and solar panels, shortening atmosphere when operational lifetimes and creating even more tiny flecks spacecraft de-orbit. of debris. Sumitomo and Kyoto University of Japan are developing a smallsat An impact by a 1 kg object traveling at 7.0 km/s releases But what about manufactured with wood, a first... they hope to accomplish this the same amount of energy as the detonation of 6 kg extant debris — as innovative project by 2023. of TNT. well as the debris that the introduction of tens of thousands of new satellites Now, LEO is about to become even more crowded. will, inevitably, generate? SpaceX, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, OneWeb Corporation and Canada’s Telesat plan on placing constellations Some companies, are planning to leverage spacecraft totaling upwards of 50,000 satellites in LEO. to pick up space junk. Others are devising methods to capture orbital debris, including nets, harpoons Meanwhile, near misses between spacecraft and extant and magnets. space junk are already occurring with greater regularity. In September of 2020, NASA fired the engines of the Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan are devising a Progress resupply module docked with the International contactless de-orbiting solution, whereby a satellite fires a Space Station, to boost the station’s altitude in order to particle beam at debris, causing them to slow, lower their avert a collision with a rocket fragment. orbit and enter Earth’s atmosphere.

What Should We Do About Space Junk? To keep space junk to a minimum — and allow us to effectively use LEO for future exploration — we need In the mid-1990s, NASA issued the first guidelines concerted, collaborative efforts on multiple fronts to both to mitigate the growing orbital debris hazard; other eliminate existing space debris and prevent the generation international agencies followed. of future debris.

In 2002, the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination While space debris present hazards, space debris Committee, comprised of 10 member nations, adopted mitigation presents an opportunity for clever a consensus set of guidelines for the “coordination of entrepreneurs to solve — both in the next frontier and, activities related to the issues of man-made and natural perhaps, right here at home. debris in space.” Author Dr. Max Polyakov is an international If the guidelines are followed, we can have a cleaner and space and information-technology entrepreneur. more compliant environment in space for the future.

Aerospace corporations are now designing small satellites to address space junk proactively. Satellites are incorporating electric propulsion systems such as ion and Hall Effect thrusters as well as plasma thrusters to minimize small particles from chemical rockets, and as end-of-life de-orbit thrusters to push failing or inoperative spacecraft into Earth’s atmosphere.

SatMagazine Page 59 June 2021 Executive Spotlight

Jeff Ransdell Co-Founder, FuelAuthor: Venture Capital

Jeff Ransdell is a venture capitalist building a portfolio of exponential technology companies at Miami-based venture capital firm Fuel Venture Capital, which he co-founded in 2017 following a departure from the world of private wealth management. Jeff approaches venture capital with a signature “founder focused, investor driven” mindset, shaped by two decades as a top executive of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His transition to venture capital was motivated by what he saw as mounting evidence that opportunities to shape the economy and capitalize on innovation were steadily shifting from the public markets to the private markets. In the face of much skepticism, Jeff chose Miami, Florida, as the home base for Fuel Venture Capital, armed with an unparalleled Rolodex and emboldened to leverage the city’s untapped resources and advantages. Today, Fuel Venture Capital manages more than $200 million in funds and has a portfolio of 25 companies, such as Bolt and Taxfyle.

SatMagazine Page 60 June 2021 Good day, Mr. Ransdell. Would you please tell economic trends, namely the surge in billion-dollar our readers about your background and what technology companies, pre-IPO. They were playing it safe prompted you to devote your career to the to deliver returns each year to their clients, returns that space funding environments? those clients would be satisfied with. However, they were essentially cheating their clients from earning much larger Jeff Ransdell returns; they were far too risk-averse, and perhaps a little I started out as an entrepreneur. I owned a chain of fitness unmotivated, as well. clubs, a textile manufacturing business, and a sound and Historically, the assumption has been that investing in light production company that served live-music venues the stock market successfully is a one-way ticket to wealth. and nightclubs. A funky combination of businesses, which Once upon a time that was true, but not so anymore. Today, I ultimately sold to a family office. once a company is on the public market, the real value has Merrill Lynch was involved in that acquisition and that already been extracted by the people and institutions that allowed allowed me to get to know some of their team got in early and invested their money when the risk was members really well. I enjoyed associating with them, plus big and returns uncertain. the work they were doing was intriguing. I decided I’d try It was not easy to get a seat at the table in those early my hand at being a financial advisor with Merrill. days. Those were extremely exclusive deals. My team and I spent more than two decades with Merrill Lynch, I give ultra-high net worth individuals and the institutions eventually becoming one of six managing directors of the that serve them a seat at that table. wealth management division, where I managed more than $130 billion of global private client investment assets, a P&L of $2 billion, and over 2,000 employees. Then I transitioned to VC. I launched Fuel Venture Capital in 2017 as I was seeing this shift in the markets, where opportunities to shape the economy and make money on those economic trends were going from the public markets to the private markets. The real value in businesses these days can be best extracted in the early days, when companies are still privately held. Space always interested me, but it wasn’t until I became friendly with Marc Bell, co-founder and executive chairman of PredaSAR, that it intrigued me in a material sense. Marc opened my eyes to the great beyond, shall we say.

What was the impetus behind founding Fuel Venture Capital?

Jeff Ransdell Fuel Venture Capital was founded to provide savvy, forward-thinking investors access to high-value, high- impact investments through private technology companies.

After nearly two decades of working with Merrill Lynch, I noticed that most advisors were dismissing major

SatMagazine Page 61 June 2021 What was the driving motivation for investing New Space is capital intensive — asset heavy, highly in PredaSAR? technical. PredaSAR has unlocked how to make it make sense from a numbers standpoint, let’s say, through its Jeff Ransdell savvy leadership that possess business finance prowess and Imagine never losing a ship... never losing a plane. Imagine technical know-how. Any institutional investor worth their being able to see through the lush canopy of the Amazon salt knows that New Space is the next frontier. rainforest in Brazil to locate illegal logging. Imagine looking at wheat fields and being able to track the crop Interest around commercial space and yield. Is a ship carrying coal, or is it carrying missiles? space exploration, in general, seems to have significantly increased over the past, few years. That is the power of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Why do you think that is the case? technology. No company is deploying SAR satellites and gathering and transmitting data at the scale and Jeff Ransdell precision of PredaSAR. (For a look at how SAR operates, Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic) and Elon Musk see addendum at the close of the interview.) How could (SpaceX) made space hot. Because of them, institutional I not invest? investors started to finally pay attention to this segment. It’s now a legitimate investment opportunity that even How does the New Space category fit into Fuel the more risk-averse LPs are inquiring about, especially Venture Capital’s investment thesis? since SpaceX was valued at $100 billion. The unit economics of the business have improved due Jeff Ransdell to technological advancements and specialization, and as Fuel Venture Capital investment thesis, from a broad- more companies approach profitability, consolidation will strokes standpoint, revolves around investing in companies occur and cap tables will be open for VCs who can move that meet a set number of criteria and can be deemed, fast and offer smart capital. according to that criteria, as “exponential.” PredaSAR certainly is, given the company’s size, unit economics, What attributes were you looking for projected trajectory, and more. when you were reviewing the PredaSAR investment opportunity?

SatMagazine Page 62 June 2021 Jeff Ransdell ADDENDUM: How does SAR work? PredaSAR is led by a highly respected CEO, Major General (courtesy of Fuel Venture Capital) Roger Teague, USAF (Ret), and a seasoned executive ​ team with extensive national security space expertise. To create a SAR image, successive pulses of radio waves PredaSAR is supported by a Board of Directors who bring are transmitted to “illuminate” a target scene, and the more than 100 years of national security experience. They echo of each pulse is received and recorded. know what PredaSAR’s end consumer wants and needs and how to address those needs. That was a key factor in The pulses are transmitted and the echoes received using whether to invest in such a technical company. a single beam-forming antenna, with wavelengths of a I also liked that PredaSAR was committed to not meter down to several millimeters. processing the data its SAR satellites capture. Their customers can do their own data processing, allowing This process forms the synthetic antenna aperture and PredaSAR to focus on what they do best, providing the allows the creation of higher-resolution images than highest resolution data possible today, as well as the most would otherwise be possible with a given physical frequent revisit rates. antenna. ​ A number of New Space companies have The antenna illuminates an area on the ground determined announced SPACs in the last year – just one by its wavelength and antenna dimension. segment of the market latching on to this new financial vehicle. As a former financier, what are Pulses are sent and received continuously such that your thoughts on the SPAC trend? any point on the ground is sampled numerous times to generate images. Jeff Ransdell VCs are creative and disruptive beings, by nature. VCs are also impatient, in certain regards, as we’re efficiency- minded, if I have permission to paint with a broad brush.

This industry has continuously searched for alternative exit routes to achieve liquidity for investors. Given some of the challenges inherent in executing an IPO, SPACs are, in the correct scenario, a silver bullet.

Where do you believe the New Space market is headed?

2021 is the year of New Space exits. I think we’re going to see a lot of consolidation, now that business models have solidified and the competition is heating up.

When you look back upon your career, what initiatives or programs that you have been involved in truly bring a sense of satisfaction to you and a smile to your face?

Jeff Ransdell PredaSAR is certainly up there. Think about it like this: There are about 36 conflict zones around the world, give or take a few. The government needs data on those zones. However, the government can’t be everywhere at all times. That’s where PredaSAR comes in. The company will be the largest and one of the first commercially owned SAR constellations ever created and will bring governments invaluable actionable intelligence.

It’s exciting to be along for the ride.

fuelventurecapital.com

Images are courtesy of NASA.

SatMagazine Page 63 June 2021 Shifting Sands of SATCOM Capacity Pricing Author: Carlos Placido, Senior Analyst, NSR

Historians point out that a common effect of pandemics • Aero: Wide regional differences exist in this is the acceleration of trends already underway. This segment, where leading regional airlines are concept may well apply to high-profile SATCOM at different stages in the IFC diffusion curve players filing for Chapter-11 during 2020, all within a and supply-demand affects pricing. Prior to relatively short period of time; a scenario previously COVID-19, Ku band demand was generally foreseen but precipitated by the pandemic. perceived ahead of supply in key battleground regions. During 2021, prices have stabilized The emergence of LEO mega-constellations also exhibited or even slightly increased despite COVID-19. accelerated progression during 2020, with SpaceX Aero will be a key target market for Non-GEO reaching a remarkable cadence in satellite manufacturing constellations, so current price stabilization and launch, to name only a few SpaceX achievements. led by integrated Ku- and Ka-band IFC GEO ecosystems may give way to increasing levels of The looming completion of Starlink’s first sub-constellation competition and price pressure. with 1,584 satellites points to structural changes in the years to come as other Non-GEO and VHTS players enter the • Backhaul: Wireless Backhaul is a wholesale race, pressing for “multi-orbit” competition in data markets. ‘volume’ market and, as such, drives high discount levels in negotiations. FSS and HTS Interestingly enough, as far as satellite capacity pricing exhibit similar declines on a % basis, but MNOs is concerned, several markets are approaching price are increasingly interested in the advantages stabilization across regions, if only temporarily. of HTS, not only in terms of costs but also in terms of the ability for VSATs to grow return link Mobility applications (namely maritime and aero) that throughput as demand evolves. The pandemic were the “star” performers driving pre-pandemic revenue has, as a matter of fact, made LTE backhaul traffic growth for operators became the ones most adversely more symmetric, so HTS architectures could run impacted by the pandemic from a demand standpoint. with return-link scalability “plus” in negotiations. Supply-demand dynamics always influence capacity pricing, but under the conditions of a COVID-19-inflicted • Enterprise VSAT: Continued pressure on FSS demand drop, expected to be temporary, it is also worth pricing remains from HTS. Enterprise VSAT looking into other just as important factors affecting networks continue to leverage the wide area pricing for each application. statistical advantages of widebeam coverage, but HTS offerings “pin” customer price expectations, In NSR’s Satellite Capacity Pricing Index, 7th Edition driving the homogenization of widebeam and (2021) report (SCPI7); NSR digs into many aspects driving HTS per-bit pricing in some regions. pricing dynamics for the main FSS-band applications and across all regions. NSR developed a “Pricing Index Dashboard” to combine and visualize pricing data based on user selectable filters, including regions, frequency bands and applications. Using the dashboard to benchmark and compare the global pricing index for B2B data applications (this article ignores consumer broadband and video/ DTH markets, which are included in the report), we can visualize the effects of application-specific trends: Q1 2021 Global Pricing Index. Source: NSR’s SCPI7 Pricing Index Dashboard for Q1 2021. Global Pricing Index expressed in $/MHz/Month for widebeam C- and Ku-band capacity and in $/Mbps/ Month for Ka-/Ku- HTS. Global Index averages all regional indexes disregarding differences in regional bandwidth uses.

SatMagazine Page 64 June 2021 • Gov-Mil: Continuous correction seen in the Mobility lease contracts often include portability clauses, market towards the highest range of Gov- allowing large users to shift capacity requirements across Mil pricing, though this vertical remains the satellites and beams. Contract re-negotiations affected highest priced. Pricing decline slowed in 2021, portability, thus stabilizing or even increasing unit pricing but pressures will intensify once constellations despite certain oversupply conditions. complete coverage, and VHTS satellites are launched. Each major SATCOM application is exhibiting distinct pricing dynamics with long-term fundamentals for the • Maritime /O&G: While price has generally satellite industry at large remaining positive, albeit with stabilized, the pandemic seriously impacted long-term structural shifts driven by looming VHTS and the bandwidth-hungry cruise sector resulting LEO/MEO constellations programs. in large-volume contract renegotiations and revenue losses for end users, service providers The satellite industry is — obviously — not immune to and operators. O&G also had a bumpy year, but the effects of the pandemic. Less obvious to “black swan” • While not expressed by every events such as COVID-19 are that unpredictable and LEO constellations player, it is often counter-intuitive consequences. Price stabilization undeniable that most, if not all, and increases can indeed occur so, while supply-demand will aggressively target energy and dynamics apply, pricing is also modulated in new ways, maritime segments to increase beyond the realm of normal-market expectations. global fill rates, giving way to renewed price pressure during or www.nsr.com/research/satellite-capacity-pricing- after 2022. index-7th-edition-2021/

oil prices returning to reasonable levels point to business recovery.

• Trunking: Declines in C-band trunking price continue on account of C-band repurposing across a few regions and limited alternate Mr. Placido is an independent consultant uses outside video distribution. Price erosion, and senior analyst with over twenty years of combined with high data-rate C-band trunks — international experience in telecommunications which generally use advanced coding and network and entertainment. Joining NSR in 2007 with optimization technologies — continue to push the focus on emerging technologies and satellite boundaries of satcom spectral efficiency. markets, he serves as a regional and IP applications expert on satellite communications Spectral efficiency and capacity portability are two and regularly provides his analysis and strategic important aspects at play when benchmarking pricing per assessment to NSR’s consulting practice. application. HTS price in SCPI7 is provided in $/Mbps so Carlos Placido has conducted numerous applications driving high spectral efficiency can achieve analytical and management projects, spanning from global lower price points by virtue of better use of satellite market research studies for NSR, to strategic assessment of spectral power and spectrum. This can be clearly seen by emerging technologies, to business development support, comparing backhaul pricing versus aero. R&D and project management. Until 2004, he led a service development team at INTELSAT, where he was responsible for identifying and validating future satcom uses of emerging video and IP data technologies. Prior to INTELSAT, he commenced his career as a network engineer at Impsat (now Level 3) and Telecom Argentina. Mr. Placido is also a regular contributor to specialized industry publications and administrates Satcom Post, an online professional knowledge-sharing platform. He holds an engineering degree (BS+MS) from the University of Buenos Aires and an MBA from the University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business.

SatMagazine Page 65 June 2021 Focus On... Kleos Space “A productive start to 2021” Andy Bowyer, Kleos Space CEO

“Kleos has had a productive start to 2021, with on-orbit commissioning and testing of our Scouting Mission satellites as well as the development of the complex data processing and subscriber management systems required to fulfill our contracts ahead of data delivery and revenues in Q2 2021, and progressing the development and launch of our second and third satellite clusters.

“Our growing constellation increases the capability and value of our geospatial data products, improving coverage over multiple key areas of interest to generate new datasets and tiered licensing options for subscribers.

“In addition to our technical progress, we remain focused on commercialization as we transition to our operational model of a Data- as-a-Service provider with scalable recurring revenues. Data delivery from our Scouting Mission satellites will provide us with an initial data product and we are continuing to build our subscriber pipeline.

“We have a large and growing addressable market with overall geospatial technologies expected to reach $549 billion1 by 2025. Our independent intelligence data provides governments and commercial entities with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, enhancing the detection of illegal activity such as border and security challenges, piracy, drug smuggling and illegal fishing and providing a level of access hitherto unavailable to most of the defence and security sector worldwide.

“Demand for our global maritime intelligence data is being driven by the high financial, societal and environmental costs of illegal activity at sea, and the ongoing challenges of policing large coastlines and international waters. Our global geolocation data can be used to validate or tip and cue other government or commercial datasets and has broad applications within defence and security, maritime intelligence, insurance, regulatory and environmental sectors.” — Andy Bowyer, CEO

SatMagazine Page 66 June 2021 Commercial Progress Kleos will initially introduce new subscribers using data sourced from its four Scouting Mission satellites. As the Kleos is now putting evaluation and initial integration company launches new satellite clusters, subscribers contracts in place with dozens of customers and will be able to increase the ‘areas of interest’ they can integrator partners around the world to prepare for the access as well as reduce revisit rates over these areas by initial delivery of data from Kleos Scouting Mission purchasing data from more clusters. This approach will (KSM1). These contracts include extensions that can be facilitate the increase of potential monthly revenue from exercised after an evaluation period with a subscription existing subscribers. Subscribers will be able to access pricing agreement. The Company is also starting to see Kleos’ data, however, they will not own it, with shareability multiple governments and other customer organizations and historical data access costing users more. start to develop and issue RFI’s and RFP’s that include requirements for the collection and analysis of RF data. Like Software as a Service (SaaS) companies, Kleos’ Data-as-a-Service business model will generate recurring Kleos is responding to these solicitations with white revenue. The Company’s initial commercialization strategy papers and direct responses, which the firm anticipates is to allow subscribers to evaluate the Company’s data and will lead to multiple awards and initial subscription services at an introductory price representing a fraction of contracts in the third and fourth quarters. The company the full monthly cost. continues to see strong interest in evaluating Kleos data from defence entities, naval forces, coast guard and The Company has already entered into contracts, border control agencies, as well as national security agreements and discussions with subscribers from the agencies in many countries. pipeline of 160+ opportunities to evaluate its data and services, and is targeted to have 50 active subscribers Distribution agreement with Carahsoft (being subscribers who have completed the evaluation phase and entered into contracts at commercial rates) by In April, Kleos’ US subsidiary signed a multi-year year’s end. distribution agreement with leading US Government IT solutions provider Carahsoft Technology Corporation. Subject to completion of the commissioning of the The agreement provides Kleos with direct access to Scouting Mission, launch and commissioning of the Carahsoft’s US federal, state and local government Company’s second cluster (anticipated in mid-2021) and contracts, including the General Services Administration pricing at commercial rates for its launch of (initial) data schedule, NASA’s Solution for Enterprise-Wide products comprising the first and in part second clusters of Procurement (SEWP), Federal Information Technology satellite collected data and following successful customer Acquisition (FITARA), and ITES-SW2 — which supplies evaluations, the Company’s targeted annualized revenue enterprise IT infrastructure for the US Army and entering into 2022 is approximately $7m2. Department of Defense. With the launch of the Company’s third cluster (which is Activity with Carahsoft to promote the activity through expected to occur in late 2021), the Company is positioned a dedicated microsite, customer webinar and marketing to capture both a greater number of subscribers and materials are in progress. increased average pricing as its datasets expand in 2022. The number of subscribers and average pricing are both Kleos Space Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Eric von Eckartsberg projected to continue increasing for enhanced data said, “Globally, the US is the largest market for Geospatial products following further constellation expansion. Intelligence and Reconnaissance data and we are actively targeting more than 30 Government customers in the Technical Development region. Our partnership with Carahsoft, one of the most successful technology providers in the country, will enable Data our independent geolocation data to be incorporated into solutions for multiple US government sectors.” In preparation for entering fully commercial operations with data from KSM1 in Q2 ‘21, Kleos is testing integration Data-as-a-Service Metrics and the many systems that build the data products to enable access and subscription fulfillment. Kleos’ radio frequency geolocation data will be sold as- a-service with qualified governments and commercial The system which supports the ingestion and storage of entities able to purchase single user, team, or enterprise satellite data as well as the processing and dissemination data licenses. The data-as-a-service business model of this data to customers requires Kleos development & enables Kleos to effectively service a large and growing implementation of the following components: subscriber base without significantly increasing base operational expenses. • Mission Data System (MDS) which is responsible for retrieving mission data from the Mission Operations Centre as it is retrieved from the satellite clusters through the Ground Station

SatMagazine Page 67 June 2021 Network. The system stores the data for archival purposes using the Data Storage System and passes the data to the Signal Processing System for geolocation. • Data Storage System (DSS) that provides the software and hardware to manage interfaces that enable hot and cold storage & archival of the (petabyte scale) volumes of both raw and processed data generated by the system. Kleos has procured significant datacentre resources for the secure storage and access to its data products. Kleos Scouting Mission launch on Saturday, November 7, 2020, on the PSLV-C49 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, • Signal Processing System (SPS) that receives data Sriharikota, India. from the MDS. Once sufficient data is acquired for processing, Kleos’ proprietary algorithms perform geolocation to produce the signal The satellites are being used to set up the many Space processing product (including both location and ground segments for the Company and will provide and dilution of precision) of the captured areas. coverage over key areas of maritime interest, such as the The processing outputs are retained and made Strait of Hormuz, South China Sea, East and West Africa, available to customers using the DSS. and the Southern Sea of Japan. The satellites detect and geolocate radio frequency activity to improve the • User Data Management System (UDMS) which detection of hidden and illegal activity, and are able to is responsible for providing authentication detect transmissions, independent of other systems, even and authorization of customer requests in line in instances when the Automatic Identification System with industry best practices. The authorization (AIS) is defeated, imagery is unclear, or targets are out of component ensures customers have secure patrol range. access to all data (locations, times, and durations) for which they have contracted. Post quarter, the KSM1 cluster of satellites:

• Customer API (CAPI) providing the customer with • Are transitioning from GomSpace a functional interface to access data products commissioning, test, and calibration to based upon the customer’s authorization their operational state with Kleos Mission provided by the UDMS. Data products will be Operations Team. accessed through a Representational State Transfer (REST) API for client-driven requests • Formation in transition from that used for and through a WebSocket API for event-drive systems commissioning to the operational notifications. formation (note; the formation of the satellites is not static; they are in constant motion in relation to each other) In-line with its Product Roadmap Kleos has released technical product descriptions, and Application o KSM1-b and KSM1-c are in station keeping Programming Interface (API) Interface Control Document operational position, with KSM1-a and KSM-d (ICD) for the two RF Intelligence, Surveillance, and in a parking orbit (an orbit where time must Reconnaissance (ISR) data products that will be initially pass to reach the desired final position) available. Guardian Locate is a geolocation intelligence (GEOINT) product that is fully processed, analytic ready, o The formation deployment is highly complex and designed for ease of use and seamless integration – with the 4 satellite across and along into existing geospatial tools and workflows. track positioning designed to optimize the independence of approach vector from First satellite cluster, KSM1 at milestone target location at the areas of highest commercial interest. The cluster enables Launched into a 37-degree Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the KSM1 up to 6 antenna pairs to be used in Kleos satellites are the world’s first four, satellite cluster flown in a proprietary multilateration algorithms – to formation targeting a precision geolocation capability. positively influence dilution of precision and data accuracy.

SatMagazine Page 68 June 2021 Polar Vigilance satellites pass Third satellite cluster development in progress Integration Readiness Review scheduled for end 2021 launch

The development of the second Kleos satellite cluster, Kleos and ISISPACE have developed the design the Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1), is on track for a specification and are constructing the end to end mid-2021 SpaceX launch after successfully completing program to build and support, the Polar Patrol Mission Integration Readiness Review, and the satellites start the (KSF2) (ISISPACE are also currently building Polar build process with satellite builder ISISPACE. Vigilance satellites (KSF1)), that are booked on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch scheduled for end 2021 under contract Specializing in small satellite solutions, Netherlands- with rideshare provider Spaceflight Inc. growing the based ISISPACE has more than 15 years’ experience in constellation further. the design, manufacture, and operation of smallsats. The four KSF2 Polar Patrol Mission satellites will launch The four Polar Vigilance nanosatellites are in the assembly into a 500-600 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), and testing phase in preparation for final acceptance. complementing KSM1 and KSF1 satellite clusters Kleos’ satellites will then be delivered to the launch site increasing cover of areas of interest.

Corporate Development New senior executive appointment in US engineering office Kleos US subsidiary, Kleos Space Inc., has appointed experienced satellite software and systems engineer Vincent Furia as Technical Director. Highly experienced, Mr. Furia was previously Space Operations Director at smallsat operator Spire Global, where he was responsible for managing a constellation of more than 100 satellites and 30 ground stations. He brings more than eight years’ program and project management experience to Kleos and has 15 years’ expertise in software and systems engineering, including 11 years at global aerospace and defence technology innovator Harris Corporation.

Mr Furia’s appointment follows the establishment of Kleos’ Denver engineering office in January and builds on the recent preparation for commercialization of its radio KSF1a Satellite Component Assembly frequency geolocation intelligence data with the previous US-based appointments of Chief Revenue OfficerEric von for integration into the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Eckartsberg, Product Manager Guillermo Gutierrez and The KSF1 Polar Vigilance Mission satellites are scheduled Sales Executive Alex Johnson. for a mid-2021 launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, under a rideshare contract with Spaceflight Inc. The KSF1 Kleos has engineering offices in Denver,Colorado, the UK satellites will launch into a 500-600km Sun Synchronous and Luxembourg. orbit, increasing Kleos’ coverage to the north and south of the 37° inclination of the Scouting Mission satellites. Targeting operational excellence

Kleos Space Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Miles Ashcroft In order to execute, in 2021 Kleos is putting in place the said, “Development of the KSF1 cluster is progressing foundations for scalable, sustainable and rapid growth. at an incredible pace with delivery to site planned for Within the quarter operational systems and processes that the end of May. Kleos is leveraging the experience facilitate customer, stakeholder, partner and employee and enthusiasm of its satellite builder, Netherlands- satisfaction have progressed with: based ISISPACE, to develop and deliver quickly as well as improve hardware and software capability. We are • A first all-hands company town hall executed, growing our constellation rapidly in 2021 with a further further town halls are being scheduled on cluster scheduled for launch towards the end of the year. quarterly basis moving forward Every satellite cluster launched increases the ground covered and the time covered, thus, the value of our radio • The Company operational and engineering data frequency geolocation data increases, enabling tiered being transferred to a new system that enables subscription licenses for governments and commercial NIST compliance and improve our security in eyes entities to be offered.” of customers

SatMagazine Page 69 June 2021 • Customer integration processes and procedures Outlook being implemented along with creation of standard sales Terms & Conditions for the data products In the coming quarter, Kleos will commence generating early adopter subscription revenues from the release of • The introduction of global Health & Safety its initial data products, further supporting the Company’s systems for all facilities and employees existing cash and equivalents balance of 5.7 million euros (A$8.7 million). • An employee performance management system put in place to help with personal development Development of the Company’s second and third and ensure alignment with Company objectives. satellite clusters remain on track, targeting mid-2021 and December 2021 launches, respectively. These launches • The development of a global recruitment plan to will increase Kleos’ product offering, with the Company facilitate rapid Company growth in a managed way. targeting 50 data subscribers by the end of 2021.

kleos.space US Roadshow

Post lodgement of the presentation deck with ASX on March 11, 2021, management commenced a multi- week, non-capital raise roadshow to tell the Kleos story. References The key objective was to increase awareness among US-based institutional investors and influential research analysts, portfolio managers, bankers, industry experts 1 Global Geospatial Solutions Market Report 2019-2025 | $549 Billion by 2025 and key journalists. - ResearchAndMarkets.com 2 The forward looking statements relating to targets involve known and Management described the Company’s differentiated RF unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s data-as-a-service model, technology and useful applications actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from any to many firms, with follow-up meetings continuing. future results, performance or achievements, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited The presentations were well-received, resulting in to, technical and launch delays, foreign exchange fluctuations and general heightened awareness of Kleos and the space ISR sector economic conditions, increased costs, the risk and uncertainties associated among U.S. investors as well as invitations to participate with space technology, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory in future space-industry conferences within one of the framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, world’s most sophisticated space industries. environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation. For further information as to the risks which may impact the Company’s results and performance, please see the risk factors included in the Prospectus lodged

SatMagazine Page 70 June 2021